It was an evening filled with warmth, nostalgia, and heartfelt gratitude as Aamir Khan attended the Mumbai Press Club on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, as the chief guest for the prize distribution ceremony of the annual photo competition, Mumbai Moments 2025. But beyond the awards and applause, it was Aamir’s deeply personal reflections on photographers that truly stole the spotlight.
Opening up about his evolving relationship with the paparazzi and press photographers over nearly four decades in the industry, Aamir candidly admitted that it wasn’t always easy in the beginning. He said, “Look, actually, when I first came, I'll tell you the truth. When I first came, I sometimes got upset, thinking that photos are everywhere, sometimes a person gets upset. Then, as time went on, I realized that these people wait for hours and don't get food or drink. They remain hungry and thirsty. Then I started to feel that. That thing touched my heart. So, after that, when I had that realization, and that realization happened quite early. So, you guys will remember that in between, I didn't even talk to the media. But I never said no to photographers. Because I felt that whoever they were, they were doing their job. They were taking care of their families. So, from then on, I never said no to photographers. Wherever I go, whenever they come, I always give them a photo.”
The revelation struck a chord. Aamir shared that even during phases when he consciously distanced himself from media interactions, he made it a point to pose for photographs — understanding that for many behind the lens, each click meant livelihood and responsibility.
Marking his first-ever visit to the Mumbai Press Club in his illustrious career, the actor expressed genuine joy at celebrating the photography community. He said,
“I've actually been in this industry for almost 38 years, and this is the first time I've been to the Press Club. I'm very happy to have been invited to today's function, where photographers were being felicitated. Their work was being praised. I believe that a photographer, a photo, an image, sometimes speaks more than a thousand words. So it's a wonderful medium”
The evening turned even more special as Aamir personally viewed the winning entries and congratulated the participants. He added, “My best wishes to all the photographers who participated, and especially to those who won awards. I also saw all the winning photos. They're beautiful. One of them is mine. I loved it. And this evening will be very memorable for me. Because I've had a relationship with the press and photographers for so many years. I've been with them for 38 years now. So we meet often. We meet here, there, everywhere. And I've developed a very close relationship with many photographers over the years. So I really enjoyed it. Today I was able to meet everyone, their families, and the evening was very homely and warm, and it was a lovely evening. I really enjoyed it”
From once feeling overwhelmed by flashing cameras to becoming one of the industry’s most respectful and consistent supporters of photographers, Aamir Khan’s journey reflects growth, empathy, and understanding. In an age of instant virality and fleeting headlines, his words served as a reminder that behind every iconic image is a hardworking professional — waiting patiently, often unseen.
And on this memorable evening at the Mumbai Press Club, it was the superstar who ensured that the spotlight shone brightly on them.