AAMIR UNPLUGGED!

Aamir Khan was present at a meet-and-greet event last week in Mumbai to meet the winners of Jumpgames initiative for 3 Idiots. We caught the perfectionist in a perfect mood as he spoke about his choice of films, working with wife Kiran and much more

The 3 Idiots euphoria just doesn’t seem to die down. How does that feel?
It feels really good. We all set out to make a good film and we achieved that. I am happy that so many people have liked the film and appreciated me. It feels good to see the film setting so many new box-office records.

The film has broken all the previous box-office records. Is there some sort of a pressure to live up to expectations now?
Not at all. I have always done my work and expected nothing in return. I have lived all my life like that. I also don’t have too many expectations so in that sense there is no pressure.

So who are you close to in real life - Chatur or Rancho?
It’s funny because when Rajkumar Hirani approached me for the role he’d already seen the Rancho in me. He was sure about me playing Rancho because he thought I had lived life on my own terms. I don’t want to brag about myself but all my life I have been a Rancho. When people around me were signing 30 films I was hardly able to sign nine. My mom would always ask me to do more work and always had an issue with my doing less work. She would complain, “Aamir, sab log kitna kaam kar rahe hain, tu kyu nahin kar rahaa? Paise kamaane ka mauqa baar baar nahin milta.” I have never compromised in life and I am so glad I didn’t. It is because of those decisions that I am what I am today.“
I remember when my career was in the dumps and Mahesh Bhatt was at the peak. He wanted to do a film with me. I was glad and was expecting my life to get back on track but it so happened that I didn’t like the script. I could have done the film and made a name for myself but I refused to do it and I am proud of that. Much later, we worked on Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin.

So what do you strive for, success or excellence?
I think you must do whatever you do with all sincerity and dedication. Success will follow, but you have to excel in your job. I am glad to have done 3 Idiots because it gives out a very positive message. I have never expected anything from my films till date. I just strive for perfection and that is what pushes me harder to work.

Your principle of doing only one film a year has become a hit!
Like I said, I don’t follow the herd mentality. I do what I want. I have always done only one film a year and I like to give it my best shot.

You have played an eclectic mix of characters. Which are the closest to you?
All the roles have been challenging and fun, but the closest to me, I guess, are Nikumbh sir from Taare Zameen Par and Phunsuk Wangdu from 3 Idiots, who are a lot like me.

What is your criterion for choosing to be a part of the film?
Most importantly, there needs to be a story. If a director can tell me a story and engage me, I am ready to be a part of the film. A lot also depends on how well the story is told. Direction is all about having a vision and executing it through the actor. A lot of times I get asked about first-time directors but I like working with fresh talent. If you are a good storyteller and you have something to share, then why not?

Your wife, Kiran Rao, is also making her directorial debut with Dhobi Ghat. What appealed to you about the film?
Trust me when I say this, Dhobi Ghat is a one-of-its-kind film. Bollywood has not seen this before and it is a very different and unusual I fell in love with the script and wanted to be a part of it. She has told the story beautifully and I am very proud of her. It is not my film: there are four central characters, Pratik, two new girls and me. But of the two roles, Pratik has the better one. It is a brilliant film and I thoroughly enjoyed working on it.

You are often accused of ghost-directing the films you star in?
I take months before I decide to be a part of any film. The directors I work with are well-established and talented enough to direct a film themselves. Yes, I give creative inputs and suggestions but that’s about it. I trust my directors and their sensibilities and think they are capable enough to direct single-handedly. All those stories are media-fabricated.

Which has been the most difficult role you’ve played till date?
I believe I am yet to come across a role like that. I work hard on all my roles but Ghajini required me to have a certain physique.

Which actors have you grown up watching?
I am really fond of Shammi Kapoor and Dharmendra. Shammi Kapoor was so good in Teesri Manzil. I also love Nutan aunty; she was such a beautiful actress.

The whole nation is going gaga over IPL. which team are you cheering for?
I am not really following IPL, but I like cricket. I like to watch the game and I am planning to catch up on IPL very soon.

Are you planning to buy a team?
No, no I don’t have any such plans. I am quite content doing films.

Will you support Shah Rukh Khan’s team?
Sure, why not? I wish them good luck and hope that they perform well.

You are also quite fond of solving the Rubik’s Cube.
Well, yes! There was this time I was insane about it. I could solve it in about 30 seconds. On a bad day it would take me 55 seconds and on an average I would take 42 seconds. Now I have lost touch so it takes me about a minute and 15 seconds to solve it. I am addicted to it.