Aamir, Bollywood’s most cerebral Khan, talks to Zeenat Zafar on 25 years of movie
THIS YEAR marks 25 years since your first movie. I have no clue how 25 years went by, but it is surely a moment of honour for me. I can’t believe I have made it successfully to this day. It feels like I joined just yesterday. When I first came here, I wondered if I’d be successful. They say an actor’s life cycle is five years. Then various factors affect his career – either the audience gets bored or competition kills it. But somehow I have survived all of this and here I am celebrating my 25 years the same year that Indian cinema completes 100 years.
I would like to thank the directors and everyone who has helped me make this journey. Some names I would especially like to take are Nasir and Mansoor saab, who directed my first film. Let’s not forget all those technicians, music directors, co-actors and most importantly, the audience which tolerated me while watching my movies and gave me unconditional love and affection. I would also like to remember my family who helped me be a part of this industry. Thank God for all of this.
When I joined the industry, I never knew how famous I would get. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak made me a star overnight; I was surrounded by adulation. Then I had a spate of three to four unsuccessful movies. These were movies I wasn’t supposed to do, but I learnt from the mistakes and moved on. Ever since then, I made my mind that I wouldn’t do a film for money, success, fame or because it was a big banner. I would decide from my heart. Only if I felt for the movie, would I be a part of it. I have stuck to this method till date. If a script doesn’t touch my heart, I don’t do it.
When you are alone, there is nothing to be scared of. When I started working in my way, people assumed that I wouldn’t be able to stick around for long. They thought I was choosing films foolishly. It is by the grace of God that I have been successful.
Power is only useful to those who know how to use it. If you don’t use your will power to help others, what’s the point of it? I walk the path that I feel is right. I am not scared of a new path, nor am I scared of taking risks. If one has truth and courage on his side, he will surely win.
I have no regrets in choosing my films. Some of my films weren’t good enough and were unsuccessful at the box office, but whatever I am today, I learnt from all those films. I give my failures as much credit as do my successes.
I have two qualities that are good and bad at the same time. One of them is a passion to accomplish tasks. Secondly, I am stubborn, which gives me a lot of energy. When someone tells me not to do a particular film, I do it on purpose.
My first day on a shoot was in Ooty with Mansoor (Khan). The first take was over and it got all foggy. We thought the fog would go away in an hour or so, but it stayed for eight hours. We thought this was a sign, as people can be superstitious. But it doesn’t matter if you have a bad start. You can always work towards the future if you believe in yourself.
Currently, I have a very good relationship with the media. There was a point in my career when the media would write many untrue things about me and I would be very hurt. I am a very emotional creature. When I didn’t interact with the media, they assumed things and wrote about them. When I was quiet, they would assume I was fighting.
In Taare Zameen Par, my character asks Dr. Shetty what do children need the most – security, dignity, faith or love. If the first three things don’t exist, there is no point of love. I realised that this also holds true for people and thought about all my soured relationships in this light. When I gave the media these virtues, our relationship automatically got better.
A legendary actress I admire is Madhubala, one smile from her and that was it. You were floored. My favourite actor is Dilip Kumarji. He is one of the best. I regret that I haven’t had a chance to work with him. My favourite films are ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Mother India’, ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ and ‘Garam Hawa’.
What do I think about Salman’s (Khan) marriage and Sanjay’s (Dutt) impending imprisonment? I don’t think we should talk about this today. Bombay Talkies, the tribute movie it made me glad and sad that I couldn’t make such a film? It’s nice to see such talent.
I have no plans to join politics. (INAV)
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