Aamir Khan speaks on almost quitting acting after Laal Singh Chaddha debacle, reveals son Junaid Khan changed his mind: “I was going from one extreme to another”

Actor Aamir Khan made headlines recently when he shared that he nearly decided to walk away from acting after the release of his 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor explained that the COVID-19 pandemic had made him reflect on his life and career, particularly his role as a father and husband.“I felt that I had not been there for these people,” Aamir said, expressing his guilt over not spending enough time with his family. “Towards the end of COVID-19, I felt, sitting alone and thinking, I've spent the bulk of my adult life... all of my bandwidth, my focus has been cinema and films. It made me realise that perhaps I’ve not been there enough for my relationships – my kids, my siblings, my family.”Emotional Decision to Step Away from CinemaThe actor admitted that he struggled with a conflict midway through Laal Singh Chaddha, feeling that his career had come at the cost of personal relationships. He went on to explain that the emotional toll of balancing work and family led him to the drastic decision of quitting films altogether.“I went through that emotional moment where I felt I’ve given my whole life to cinema and I’ve not been there for my family,” Aamir shared. “I called my family and said, ‘Listen I’m not going to do films anymore, I want to spend time with you guys’. So that was my reaction. It was not out of any disappointment with cinema or some such thing. It was more of an emotional feeling. And I’m an extreme person.”Junaid Khan’s Perspective Helps Aamir Find BalanceAamir Khan revealed that it was his son, Junaid Khan, who helped him reconsider his decision. Junaid offered a perspective that encouraged his father to find a middle ground between his career and family life.“He said that I was going from one extreme to another and reminded me there was a middle ground,” Aamir recalled. “‘You can do films and still be with us,’ he told me.” This conversation with Junaid was a turning point for the actor, who acknowledged the need for a balanced approach to both his career and personal life.Aamir Khan’s Upcoming ProjectsDespite his moment of doubt, Aamir Khan is now focused on his career while also making time for his family. His upcoming projects include Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by RS Prasanna and produced by Kiran Rao. The film is an official adaptation of the Spanish movie Champions and will see Aamir in a new role. Additionally, Aamir is producing Lahore 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, starring Preity Zinta and Sunny Deol.Also Read: Aamir Khan REACTS to Shah Rukh Khan-Salman Khan’s end-credit scene in Pathaan: “All the young actors must have got really upset”