Saikiran Uppuluri
Saikiran Uppuluri
Aamir Khan, often hailed as ‘Mr Perfectionist’, has carved a niche for himself in the Indian film industry with his stellar performances and unique choice of roles. However, acting was not always his first choice. In a candid interview from 1988, Aamir revealed that he never wanted to be an actor and had even vowed as a child to stay away from the film industry.
Growing up, Aamir was shy and awkward, far removed from the self-assured persona he portrays on screen. His disillusionment with the film industry stemmed from observing his father, Tahir Hussain, a producer, struggle to complete his films due to the erratic behavior of directors and actors. Witnessing these challenges, Aamir vowed never to become a producer or have anything to do with films.
However, fate had other plans for Aamir. His entry into acting was purely accidental. While in the XII standard, he was approached by Aditya Bhattacharya for a short film, which he agreed to do for fun. To his surprise, Aamir enjoyed the experience and gradually gained confidence in his acting abilities. This newfound passion led him to consider acting as a profession, despite his earlier reservations.
When Aamir decided to pursue acting full-time, his family, though supportive, expressed doubts about the sensibility of his decision. While there were no overt objections, Aamir sensed their hesitation. Despite this, he remained determined to follow his newfound passion.
Aamir’s acting career took off with his debut film “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” in 1988, where he received widespread acclaim for his performance. He went on to star in a string of successful films, including “Dil,” “Lagaan,” “Dangal,” and many others, establishing himself as one of the leading actors in Bollywood.
Despite facing setbacks, such as the lukewarm response to his recent film “Laal Singh Chaddha,” Aamir remains a prominent figure in the industry. His production house, Aamir Khan Productions, continues to produce films, including Kiran Rao’s directorial project “Laapataa Ladies” and “Lahore 1947,” directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.
Aamir Khan’s journey from a reluctant actor to a Bollywood icon is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for storytelling. His ability to choose unconventional roles and deliver exceptional performances has endeared him to audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy in Indian cinema.
