Aamir Khan is known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking but a recent revelation has shown just how deep that perfectionism runs and how much it is anchored in his relationship with cousin and long-time creative collaborator Mansoor Khan. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor disclosed that he writes a secret note to Mansoor before every flight he boards, asking him to step in and protect the integrity of whatever film is in production should something happen to him. He has even asked his ex-wife Kiran Rao to ensure Mansoor is consulted on any pending film decisions in the event of his death.
Aamir Khan’s pre-flight secret
Aamir Khan’s pre-flight routine is rather more extraordinary. In his own words: “When the shoot gets over, and we’re in the final post-production, I’ve always written a note to Mansoor. I always get very stressed that what if my plane crashes or I die? I don’t want the film to go wrong. So, I ask the director to take Mansoor’s advice. And I ask Mansoor to take care of it. I do it every time before I get on a flight.”
Khan may have said this in jest but the sentiment behind the ritual is entirely sincere for the idea that a film he has invested his creative energy and reputation in could go wrong in his absence is a source of genuine anxiety. The person he trusts absolutely to prevent that from happening is Mansoor Khan.
Aamir Khan on his bond with Mansoor Khan
The revelation does not stop at pre-flight notes. Aamir has extended the same level of trust to the arrangements he has made with his ex-wife Kiran Rao.“He’s one person whose instinct I trust fully. That’s what I’ve told Kiran (Rao, ex-wife) a number of times — if something happens to me, make sure you run it by Mansoor,” Aamir Khan said.
Mansoor Khan’s reaction
For his part, Mansoor Khan learned about the full extent of this arrangement only recently — and his response is as endearingly candid as Aamir’s revelation.“I got to know this recently, and I’m under huge stress,” Mansoor said.
More about Mansoor Khan and Aamir Khan’s creative collaboration
Mansoor Khan directed some of the most beloved Hindi films of the late 1980s and 1990s. His collaboration with Aamir Khan produced two genuine classics of Hindi romantic cinema, namely, ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ (1988) and ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’ (1992) The pair also worked together on ‘Akele Hum Akele Tum’ (1995). Most recently, ‘Ek Din’, directed by Sunil Pandey and starring Aamir’s son Junaid Khan has again seen Mansoor brought in as creative producer. The film released today, May 1, 2026.
