AAMIR KHAN EXCLUSIVE
Profile
It is difficult to relentlessly pay close attention to detail with a diligence and passion that is always directed towards offering the best in front of the camera. As an actor, Aamir Khan has done just that. Without letting commercial considerations influence his careful career selection of projects (save a few hasty choices early in his career), Aamir has devoted time and attention to every project he has undertaken His refreshing down-to earth persona combined with the unusual…. intensity and commitment with which he tackles every role has earned him undying love and respect from his audience.
A scion of a prominent film industry family (father, Mr. Tahir Hussain and uncle Mr. Nasir Hussain, both prominent film makers), Aamir had an early exposure to various nuances of the medium. The urge to be involved in films was only natural, resulting in an early beginning as an assistant director on Mr. Nasir Husain’s Manzil Manzil and Zabardast . While in college itself, Aamir had developed an early interest in theatre. He joint the theater group ‘Avantar’ under director Mahendra Joshi, working backstage as well as in two plays, One Gujarati, Kesar Bina and one English called Clearing House
The acting bug had finally caught on. It was however his cousin and soul mate, Mansoor Khan who convinced him of his true potential and cast him as the main lead in his debut film, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Aamir had already dabbled in acting via his roles in alternative cinema (Ketan Mehta’s Holi) and was accustomed to facing the camera (therefore not as nervous as a newcomer is bound to be in a big commercial set-up) And his confidence and youthful demeanor with a great face that won him a fan following that an actor could only dream of!
Aamir never looked back after his commercial debut, both as a star and more importantly, as an actor. The short period after his successful debut, when he signed a few forgettable films, also determined him to seek like-minded individuals as directors and to only do a limited number of assignments with conviction. Thus, it isn’t surprising that Aamir has done fewer films than most in his relatively long career. But the unforgettable characters that he has essayed over the years have left an indelible impression of cinegoers. Films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Dil, Raakh, Dil, Dil Hain Ki Manta Nahin, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Andaaz Apna Apna, Hum Hain Rahin Pyaar Ke, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Rangeela, Raja Hindustani, Ishq, Ghulam, 1947 Earth and Sarfarosh constitute a body of work that any actor would be envious of.
Aamir’s last few films have cemented his position as a thinking actor and a top-ranking star. Ghulam (1998) had Aamir portraying a street smart misguided youth, Siddharth Marathe, who transforms himself from a rogue to a humanist. In the same film, Aamir also belted out the phenomenally popular track, ‘ Aati Kya Khandala’, whose popularity made it the film Anthem of the year. With Sarfarosh (1999) Aamir shifted tracks, where he portrayed an upright ISP officer, ACP Rathod, who treasures his country more than anything else. And in Deepa Mehta’s 1947 Earth (1999) one sees the versatile Aamir as Dilnavaz, who is left scarred and bitter after the partition. Dilnawaz’s transformation from a fun loving and lovelorn ice candy man, into a diabolic and vindictive man, is portrayed brilliantly by the actor.
Aamir’s versatility is defined by his impressive repertoire, making him an actor who has always taken the road less travelled. This was again evident with Lagaan. A tale of extraordinary circumstances thrust upon ordinary people, Aamir played the role of Bhuvan, a simple yet a defiant villager who took on to the might of the British Raj.
In the same year came Dil Chahta Hai, a contemporary story revolving around three youngsters at the crossroads of their life, where Aamir played the young and spirited Akash Malhotra. A movie that was nothing short of a cult got Aamir an immense amount of apprecia
You have released the music of ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ at Shammi Kapoor’s residence. What is the reason for not choosing a five star hotel as a venue? I think Shammi uncle has always proved to be my lucky mascot, right from the time I started my career as an actor with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. I sought his blessings even back then and have continued to do so, right till my irectorial debut, Taare Zameen Par….. I have always had his support. As this is my first film as producer, which does not have me as an actor, I needed his blessings very badly. So I found his house to be the perfect venue for the music launch of Jaane Tu.
How do you look at the film. Is Jaane Tu a launch pad for Imraan or is it primarily, from your prespective, an Aamir Khan production. Or are both aspects equally important for you?
No, if you see the first promo of Jaane Tu, you will have a clear idea that it is definitely not the launch pad for Imraan. Abbas (Tyrewala) came to me with the script, and I really liked the concept. My motive is to make a quality product and I want people to believe that whichever film carries my name, will have that stamp of quality. An Aamir Khan Productions should symbolize, in people’s minds, something, which is really interesting and worth watching. I want to build a certain level or a brand name for A.K Productions. That’s the idea behind establishing Aamir Khan Productions, as I have established my name in the film industry.
What was your contribution to the film?
My biggest contribution has been to bring Mansoor back. We have all been trying to get him back to the industry for quite a while now. I succeeded this time as he is also very fond of Imraan. I needed his help desperately as I was very busy with Taare Zameen Par and wanted someone to give full attention to this film.
You are known to follow a strict discipline when it comes to work. So were you the same during the making of Jaane Tu as well?
No, it’s not so. It’s just that I just expect my work should be done properly and on time. As a producer, I am trying to give the film the best possible release as I truly believe that it’s a very different film. It’s full of energy and youthfulness, as Abbas is just 30. But do you know, he was the oldest guy on the sets of the film? So, you can just imagine the energy that this film has.
The release of Jaane Tu is clashing with that of Love Story 2050. Both are the debut films for their respective lead actors, Imraan and Harman Baweja. So was the clash really necessary?
Harry is a very good friend, and we tried everything possible to shift the date of release but couldn’t do so. But I don’t think it really matters. There are so many movies coming up that it is almost impossible to find a date when you can release only your film. In the past, both Lagaan and Gadar were released on the same day and both films did well at the box office and went down well with audiences too. So it’s no big deal.
What do you feel about the music of the movie?
A.R. Rahman has done a fantastic job in this film. After a long time, he has given such wonderful youthful music. The song ‘Papu Cant Dance’ is a very humorous song and has a very good concept. If you ask me to name a favourite, then I would have to say that it is ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’. Rahman’s music and Abbas’ s lyrics: I would say the result has been rocking!
What was the feedback that you received after the special screening of Jaane Tu?
After the screening, everybody found a lot of similarities between me and Imraan. But I must say that Imraan is far better looking than me and will go a long way. But yes, he has a lot to learn still. I am always there with him, and will always support him as long as I can. But otherwise, he has to walk his own way.
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