Bollywood star Aamir Khan celebrated his 25-year- long journey as a film star in Mumbai on Monday which coincided with 100 years of Indian cinema. One of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation, he admits when he started, he never thought he would come this far.
“I have had unsuccessful films, but I learned a lot from those films. I give my failures as much importance as my success,” Aamir said at a press conference Monday to celebrate his silver jubilee in the industry.
“When I was new, I didn’t know where my career will go. Initially, my films were not even successful, but then I learned a lot from my mistakes,” said the 48-year-old whose “Deewana Mujhsa Nahin“, Love Love Love” etc. had bombed at the box office.
“When my three-four films were not successful, I decided I won’t sign a film for money, a big banner or a specific person. I decided I will listen to my heart. That is why I started doing less films. I have followed this till date,” said the actor who made his mark with his work in “Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, “Raja Hindustani“, Sarfarosh“.
When he cut down on his assignments, Aamir admits he became butt of a joke.
“The way I used to work was different from the industry’s norms. People used to laugh at me and thought that I won’t be able to stick for long,” said Aamir who not only proved naysayers wrong, but also earned the tag of a “thinking actor”.
Year 2001 marked a turning point in Aamir’s career as he turned producer with Oscar nominated period drama “Lagaan – Once Upon A Time In India“, and later directed issue based film “Taare Zameen Par“.
Post “Lagaan”, he has been part of some of the biggest hits of the decade like “3 Idiots“,”Dil Chahta Hai“, “Ghajini,” “Rang De Basanti“.
“I do what I feel is right. I am not scared to walk on the new path and take risk,” he said.
After reaching the top of the pyramid, he says: “I never thought this would happen. I can’t believe how I have reached here. I am happy that I have entertained people and made them happy.”
