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 appreciation for his work. Then after a four-year gap came the much-awaited Mangal Pandey, a story about the freedom fighter played by Aamir himself. The film traced the change in the character of the super hero, a rising of consciousness that transformed an average human being into a legendary hero. Aamir played the role to perfection.
His forthcoming releases include Fanaah; Rang De Basanti, Mr. Mehta & Mrs. Singh, and The Mahabharata. This talented actor's interests (besides films, films and films) include the whole wide world of sports, chess and reading.
