MY SUCCESSES ARE NOT MINE ALONE: AAMIR KHAN

The actor feels it belongs to everyone involved in the film. Also, talks about exploring the digital medium

A s an actor, he has steered clear of conventions and continued to surprise audiences with his choice of films and performances. As a film-maker, he placed his bets on subjects that impacted and engaged viewers with their thought-provoking content. In the recent years, his consistent box-office successes have ensured his popularity gaining momentum beyond Indian borders. So what makes Aamir Khan the hit machine...

...with the highest success ratio in Hindi cinema, what’s your formula for success?

I just pick stories I love — stories which move me. I go a lot with what I am personally feeling towards the story, and at that time, I don’t think of how the audience or the box office will react. For me, it’s the journey of playing a character, which is exciting. It could be any genre — comedy, action or drama. And I hope that people also love it. Of course, a lot depends on how the film turns out. So, eventually it is team work. You have to remember those are not my successes alone. It is the writer’s, director’s, coactors’, and all the other departments’, who have contributed to the film.

Secret Superstar — a smaller budget film which didn’t showcase you as the central character — goes on to become a success. As a producer, does it only you give you more confidence to explore varied topics?

This year has really been special because of the response Secret Superstar received. It was heartwarming and satisfying. And it did great business for the kind of film it was. Even though my role was smaller, I thoroughly enjoyed the part. I was happy to work with Advait Chandan (director). He is full of ideas and is a lot like me. We both are constantly thinking of new ideas. After doing something I always think if I have done it well enough or is there another way of doing it. I am constantly searching. I find the same quality in Advait.

However, some bigbudget films failed to perform well at the box office this year. Is the advent of internet and growing screen count for Hollywood movies a threat?

I do believe the environment is changing. There is no doubt about that. But I don’t think the internet or Hollywood can ever affect us. I don’t think any external agency can affect us except our own work. If our own work is not good or up to the mark, then it will affect us. The audience comes to watch a film to have a good time. They come not to dislike, but like a film.

Do you watch content on the digital medium? Would you ever like to explore it?

I do watch shows on the web. I’ve been watching Games Of Thrones, House Of Cards. But one of my favourite series is Breaking Bad. If ever the right material comes my way, I’d be happy to produce for the digital (medium) or even act in it. I’m totally open to it.

If our own work is not good and is not up to the mark, then it will affect us. AAMIR KHAN, ACTOR

PHOTO: AVINASH GOWARIKER