A Look Back at Their Playful Rivalry in 2025
In a candid interview that’s sparking buzz across Bollywood, Aamir Khan opened up about a past phase of playful rivalry with Shah Rukh Khan, where the two megastars traded the term “chichora” (a Hindi slang for tacky or frivolous behavior). The revelation, shared on The Lallantop on June 29, 2025, sheds light on their once-tense dynamic, the infamous dog-naming anecdote, and how their bond has evolved into friendship. Here’s the full story behind Aamir’s cheeky jab and what it means for fans in 2025.
The ‘Chichora’ Controversy: What Happened?
In the late 2000s, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, two of Bollywood’s reigning “Khans,” were known for taking subtle digs at each other. The tension peaked during the 2009 promotional frenzy for Aamir’s 3 Idiots, when he traveled across India in various disguises to market the film. When asked about this strategy, Shah Rukh, promoting his own My Name Is Khan, called it “a kind of chichorapan,” implying it was over-the-top. Aamir hit back, referencing a dog named Shah Rukh in a 2008 blog post, writing that “Shah Rukh was licking my feet” at a Panchgani farmhouse, later clarifying it was the farmhouse owner’s pet.
Reflecting on this in 2025, Aamir told The Lallantop, “Actually, ek period tha jab Shah Rukh aur main ek dusre ke liye kaafi kuch bol rahe the. Shayad vo naa khush the mujhse” (There was a time when Shah Rukh and I were saying a lot about each other. Maybe he was upset with me). Aamir suggested Shah Rukh’s frustration stemmed from Aamir’s reluctance to discuss others in interviews, but he downplayed the spat, saying, “Jaha tak baat hai chhichhorapan ki, toh woh (Shah Rukh) jyada jaante honge… woh expert hai” (As for being crass, Shah Rukh would know more; he’s an expert at it). The quip, delivered with a laugh, highlights their past banter.
A Rivalry Rooted in Competition
The “chichora” exchange was part of a broader rivalry in the 2000s, when Aamir, Shah Rukh, and Salman Khan dominated Bollywood. Born in 1965, the trio’s competition was fierce, with each vying for box office supremacy. Aamir’s 3 Idiots (2009) and Shah Rukh’s My Name Is Khan (2010) clashed in release proximity, fueling their promotional jabs. Aamir admitted, “When our careers started, there was natural competition between us. But that faded away 10–15 years ago, at least from my side, and I think from his side as well.”
Their differences weren’t just promotional. Aamir once rejected the role of Max in Shah Rukh’s Josh (2000), directed by his cousin Mansoor Khan, because he wanted a different part and later “hated” the film, though he softened his stance years later. Shah Rukh, meanwhile, took a dig at Aamir’s fans on Koffee With Karan in 2004, saying they needed “an icon they can look up to,” a comment that stirred rumors of a rift.
From Jabs to Friendship
Despite the past, Aamir emphasized that he and Shah Rukh are now close friends. “We often make plans to catch up, and we never stop at one drink,” he shared, noting late-night hangouts that last until 7 a.m. A pivotal moment came at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s 2024 wedding, where the three Khans—Aamir, Shah Rukh, and Salman—rehearsed a skit together. Aamir recalled, “The comfort with which we were saying yes and no to each other made me realize we were in a comfortable place now.” This led him to pitch a potential film collaboration, which both Shah Rukh and Salman agreed to consider.
Fans on X are thrilled, with posts like @htshowbiz noting, “Shah Rukh Khan was unhappy with me: Aamir Khan recalls their ‘childish behaviour’ of calling each other ‘chichora’” (@htshowbiz, June 30, 2025). Others, like @Koimoi, revisited the 2009 exchange, calling Aamir’s comeback “sharper” (@Koimoi, June 24, 2025).
Why This Story Resonates in 2025
Aamir’s candid reflection taps into a high-CPC (cost-per-click) entertainment topic, as Bollywood rivalries and reconciliations captivate audiences. His latest film, Sitaare Zameen Par, has crossed Rs. 120 crore domestically, while Shah Rukh’s Jawan and Pathaan (2023) set box office records, proving their enduring star power. The “chichora” saga, once a point of tension, now feels like nostalgic banter, with fans eager for a potential Khan trio film.
However, challenges remain. Shah Rukh once humorously noted the financial hurdle of casting all three Khans, saying, “Par aisi koi kahaani hogi joh teenon ko pasand aaye aur koi afford kar sake?” (Will there be a story all three like, and can anyone afford us?). The lack of a suitable script and their busy schedules—Shah Rukh with King, Aamir producing Lahore 1947, and Salman with Sikandar—make a joint project tricky.
What This Means for Fans
Aamir Khan’s revelation about calling Shah Rukh “chichora” offers a glimpse into Bollywood’s competitive past and the camaraderie that’s emerged. For fans, it’s a reminder of the Khans’ journey from rivals to friends, with hope for a historic collaboration. “The audience would love to see us together in a film,” Aamir said, sparking excitement on X, where users like @CNNnews18 celebrated their bond (@CNNnews18, June 30, 2025).
Want to dive deeper? Check out The Lallantop interview on YouTube or follow the Khans’ latest projects. Whether it’s nostalgia for their 2000s rivalry or anticipation for a 2025 blockbuster, this story proves the Khans still rule Bollywood’s heart.
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