Aamir Ali, actor

“At 22, I painted my car red because I couldn’t afford a Ferrari”

At 22, where were you career-wise?

My first job was as part of the cabin crew. I flew for three years, and then I wanted to get an MBA degree, join an advertising agency and do something creative. But, by 22, I had given up on that and was doing advertisements as a commercial model. I was also asked to act in my first film, Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai.

What was your bank balance then? When I was 19, my mother retired from Punjab National Bank; so my account was with the same bank. Since I had taken a break from flying and was concentrating on acting, I was just trying to secure my monthly expenditure. The balance must have been less than a lakh.

Your fashion sense then?

I would wear a lot of bright colours. I thought I was very cool and stylish but now when I look at my pictures, I feel my outfits were a bit loud.

Your romantic status?

I was single as I had just broken up then. I was heartbroken.

Your focus in life?

I had just discovered that I want to act as a profession and given up my secure job. Who all did your family comprise of?

I stayed with my mom, Nargis. I’m a mama’s boy. She’s not from the industry, so it’s amazing how she always supported me.

Your frame of mind?

I thought I was very intelligent and knew what my next step should be. Looking back, I realise I had no clue and I was naive.

Your fitness quotient?

I was never a bodybuilder but I’ve always been lean and fit. I joined the gym when I was 18, before I started modelling.

“AT 22, I WAS SINGLE AS I HAD JUST BROKEN UP THEN. I WAS HEARTBROKEN”

Your most prized possession back then?

My Maruti Esteem. I had painted my car red because I could not afford a Ferrari.

Aamir endorsing Mountain Dew in an advertisment. He visited Dubai for the first time for the press shoot clicked by Atul Kasbekar; (inset) Baby Aamir

A photograph from Aamir’s first portfolio, clicked for free by Jagdish Mali

With his mother and cousin Nazlee on his first birthday

At a barbecue with the senior crew when he was flying for Air Sahara

Aamir poses at his home when he was 22

THEN AND NOW Aamir Ali at 22 (top) and at 44 (above)

With his mother at Taj Mahal

At one of his earliest shoots