PROUD OF MY COLLEAGUES’ FILMS: AAMIR

Aamir Khan enjoys seeing fellow actors do good work, and does not pay heed to comparisons

He ended 2016 with Bollywood’s biggest hit film, Dangal, which has made way for the `300 crore club. And this year, actor Aamir Khan will complete 29 years in the industry. We catch up with the 51-year-old about his career, competition and more.

You’re the one who started `100, 200 and 300 crore clubs... I haven’t, it’s the media that has started all of it. Yes, Ghajini was the first one to do `100 crore, 3 Idiots did `200 crore followed by Dhoom:3 that crossed `250 crore and PK made `300 crore. But it’s a coincidence. I’m doing films I love doing. What’s happening is a byproduct of it.

Whenever any of your film makes big money, it fuels comparisons with Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar... I don’t pay heed to it. When I see my colleagues doing good work, including Ranveer or Ranbir, I feel happy and proud. I loved Sanju in Munna Bhai films. If I’m competing with anyone at all, it’s myself. I want to do better than what I did earlier, and grow as an actor.

Do you look back at your career? Yes. It’s been a very exciting and fulfilling journey. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with wonderful writers and directors, on their unique scripts. I got to learn so much. It’s my good fortune to have worked in Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots, PK, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, or Sarfarosh... My decisions have mostly been very risky and impractical.

Recently, Mery Streep’s speech made headlines and led to talks about why Indian stars can’t talk so openly about real issues… America, as a democracy, has always been a vibrant one. People have been free to air their opinions on anything (topic) or anyone including the President. That’s its beauty... That’s how democracies ought to be.

I’m doing films I love doing. What’s happening (their success) is a byproduct of it AAMIR KHAN, ACTOR

PHOTO: MANOJ VERMA/HT