A video of Aamir Khan watching his latest film, "Sitaare Zameen Par," with Indian Army soldiers (jawans) has gone viral. The actor spent time with the soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor as part of NDTV's "Jai Jawan" program. This appearance marks Khan's return to "Jai Jawan" after over two decades, his first being shortly after the Kargil War victory.
During his visit, Aamir Khan engaged in various activities with the soldiers, including shooting India-made assault rifles at a firing range and riding in a tank. He showcased his skills in cooking, badminton, and squash. The highlight of the day was the screening of "Sitaare Zameen Par" at the soldiers' mess during lunch.
Speaking about his experience working with debutant neurodivergent actors in "Sitaare Zameen Par," Aamir Khan praised their hard work and dedication. He noted that they were diligent with their lines and worked harder than "normal actors," expressing his happiness that the soldiers were watching the film.
The "Jai Jawan" program, hosted by NDTV's Ankit Tyagi and Meenakshi Kandwal, also featured Aamir Khan dancing and singing with the soldiers during a stage presentation. He even shared his choice for who should play the role of Bhuvan if his film "Lagaan" were to be remade.
"Sitaare Zameen Par," directed by R. S. Prasanna, is a sports comedy-drama and a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan's 2007 film, "Taare Zameen Par". In the film, Aamir Khan plays Gulshan Arora, a basketball coach who is assigned to train a team of intellectually challenged basketball players. The film stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh. "Sitaare Zameen Par" is a remake of the 2018 Spanish film "Champions".
The film was released on June 20, 2025, and has grossed ₹263 crore worldwide, becoming the third highest-grossing Hindi film and the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. The film has received positive reviews from critics, with praise for Aamir Khan's performance and the film's heartwarming story.
Trade analysts have noted the film's strong box office performance, calling it a "massive win" for Aamir Khan and a revival of "urban multiplex films". "Sitaare Zameen Par" earned ₹66.50 crore domestically in its first four days, with a strong opening weekend of ₹96 crore worldwide.
