Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s popularity soared in China after 3 Idiots became a cult phenomenon. The 2009 Rajkumar Hirani directorial blockbuster movie was based on Chetan`s book Five Point Someone. Revolving around the Indian education system, it starred Aamir as the quirky Ranchhoddas Shamaldas Chanchad, who aims to prove that one needs to chase excellence, and success will follow. He locks horns with the ruthlessly competitive dean of his engineering college, Viru Sahastrabudhe played by actor Boman Irani. It also starred Sharman Joshi and R Madhavan in the lead roles.

Aamir Khan on his popularity in China

While speaking at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Aamir Khan said, “Piracy made me a star in China. 3 Idiots went viral there because of piracy. The credit goes to the Chinese audience for accepting a film from a different culture and giving it love and respect. It was all organic and I had no role to play in it." Following the film’s successful run, the actor is known as “Uncle Aamir” in China. His other films like PK and Dangal were also a blockbuster hit there.