Inspiring encounters at Stars in the City

Aamir Khan has that rare knack of being perfect at whatever he does — even when it comes to making people laugh, cry, and speak from their heart. The actor, along with the team of his film Secret Superstar, leading lady Zaira Wasim and director Advait Chandan, visited Hindustan Times House to meet winners of the HT City Stars in the City contest. Aamir, who plays the wacky musician Shakti Kumar, was asked if the shady character was based on a real person. He said, “You guessed it right that the character is sleazy, but I don’t know anyone in real life who’s like that”, and winked, sending everyone into peals of laughter. Zaira, who had a dream debut in Aamir’s blockbuster 2016 film Dangal, was initially shy, but went on to reveal a secret: “Aamir sir doesn’t like taking baths. Also, he doesn’t like loud music!” She has the title role in this film, that of a teen who dreams of a singing career despite huge hurdles. Keeping the theme in mind, HT City invited three real-life secret superstars to the event. Doris Francis, 59, has been guiding traffic in Ghaziabad after losing her daughter in a road accident in 2009. Rahul Tyagi, 14, is a school boy from Meerut who raps in Hindi, with a strong message about women’s empowerment. Tamana Chona overcame cerebral palsy to become a marathoner and a teacher. Impressed by their spirit, Aamir posed with pleasure for selfies — which he himself clicked to make sure the angle was perfect! — and danced with them. A memorable encounter for the Bollywood superstar and for NCR’S own secret superstars.