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Aamir Khan- The star, the seeker, the storyteller
The actor reflects on cinema, failures, family, and love, emphasizing storytelling that entertains while sparking thought and emotional connection.
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Bollywood Insider - Sat, 23, Aug 2025
- 16:16 EDT
- 17
Actor Aamir Khan / Wikipedia
He is not just a superstar-he is a storyteller who listens, learns, and lends himself to the truth of every character he embodies. For over three decades, Aamir Khan has been the beating heart of Indian cinema's most thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and socially impactful narratives.
From cycling in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar to coaching young minds in Taare Zameen Par and now once again connecting with neurodivergent children in Sitare Zameen Par, Khan's journey has never been about stardom alone.
Also read: Amitabh Bachchan reflects on old age: 'A loss worth losing'
In this soul-stirring conversation, the actor opens up like never before-on cinema, therapy, children, failure, love, and learning to value oneself... and one's partner.
How do you feel on the verge of a film's release? Is it still like your debut in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak?
I always feel like I'm giving birth to a child. Of course, I can't compare myself to a mother-no man can ever understand that feeling-but the emotion of creating something from scratch and sending it out into the world, that's how it feels. It's nervousness wrapped in excitement. And yes, even now, after so many years, it still feels like the first time.
Do you consider yourself lucky with sports-based films?
It seems so. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (cycling), Ghulam (boxing), Dangal, and Lagaan-they all did well. Awwal Number, though it flopped, is Ranbir Kapoor's favorite film! That's heartening.
Will you only direct socially relevant films?
Not at all. I've done Delhi Belly! I do gravitate toward socially impactful stories because that's my nature. But first and foremost, I want to entertain. Films like Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots, Dangal, and Lapataa Ladies-they entertain while making you think. That's the sweet spot I aim for.
An astrologer predicted that OTT will rise while cinema will decline. Your take?
I can't predict the future, but I'm a cinema loyalist. OTT is wonderful, but my loyalty lies with theatres. That's where I was born as an actor.
Will you explore regional cinema?
Absolutely. I can't act in languages I don't know, but I'd love to produce films in different Indian languages.
Is Mahabharat really happening?
Mahabharat isn't a film-it's a yagna. A sacred offering. It requires immense preparation. It's my dream project, and I don't know if I'll ever do it. But it lives in my heart.
Has film marketing changed over the years?
Of course. We've always had challenges before it was bus stickers, now it's social media campaigns. But marketing is part of storytelling. Whether you speak to one person or a million, it's about sharing your story.
You recently introduced your partner Gauri Prat. How does she complement you?
She's quiet, kind, and calm. I'm the opposite extreme, chaotic, absent-minded. She brings balance and peace. I bring a bit of madness to her life! But going public means I value and respect her deeply. That's what my mother taught me.
Has your family been supportive through your highs and lows?
Immensely. When Laal Singh Chaddha failed, I was heartbroken. Even with Thugs of Hindostan, I told Aditya Chopra and Victor I didn't think it would work-but they had their vision. With Laal Singh, 1 believed in the film, but only 25 percent of the audience connected. That rejection hit hard. I felt like Superman getting beaten up.
For the first time, I saw how deeply my family stood by me-Kiran, Junaid, Ira, Azad, my mother...everyone rallied around me. They danced to pop songs to cheer me up. That's when I realized what true support means.
You've always been a successful actor. Do you fear fading away?
Everything has its cycle-creation, growth, and destruction. One day, I'll no longer be able to tell stories. That's inevitable. But until then, I'll give it my all.
What decides your choice in a film?
There's no formula. You never know if it will work. But I go with my instincts. I'm the audience first-if the script makes me laugh, cry, feel something deep-I know it's worth doing.
Is there a PK sequel coming?
No. Raju Hirani and I are working on a Dadasaheb Phalke biopic. There's no PK sequel in the pipeline.
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