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Not many have the courage to take the path less trodden. Aamir Khan may have been born into a film family but he carved his own path. From bagging films on his own merits, choosing challenging roles to doing one film a year to not being part of any ‘camp’, his methods have always been very hatke.
On his 58th birthday, here’s looking at how Aamir Khan is different from other film stars.
Social media game, not his cup of tea
Social media has become an integral part of a celebrity’s life. Be it hosting AMA sessions, brand endorsements, collabs to even sharing their latest updates, social media presence has become a prerequisite for a celebrity. While everyone was working on strengthening their social media game, Aamir Khan decided to hang up his boots. On his birthday in 2021, the actor shared a post saying he wants to ‘drop the pretence’. “Hey guys, thank you so much for all the love and warmth on my birthday. My heart is full. In other news, this is going to be my last post on social media. Considering that I am so active anyway, I have decided to drop the pretence,” he wrote, adding that all details about his films and upcoming projects will be shared on his production company’s social media page. Bold move, isn’t it?
Shunning awards since the start of his career
An award not only celebrates and lauds an actor’s hard work but also gives weightage to their career. Also, with award shows come grand acts, big money, and the chance to connect with audiences. However, Aamir Khan decided to shun award shows in the initial stage of his career. It was reported that the actor was nominated for his film Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander (1992) and he was expecting to win. However, Anil Kapoor was awarded the Filmfare award for Beta. Aamir faced a similar situation when Shah Rukh Khan took home all the awards in 1995 for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, while Aamir, who had given a thunderous performance in Rangeela, was left disappointed. This led the actor to decide he’ll never attend award shows, and he has maintained that stance ever since.
Carrying the perfectionist tag
Yes, anyone would give an arm to be called a ‘perfectionist’ but have we ever given a thought to the expectations that come along? Aamir Khan has over the years carried the tag with pride. Even if that meant being brutally trashed for every misstep. Be it picking the right script, having the best direction, music and giving a flawless performance, Aamir has done it year after year. Any other person would have humbly let go of the title and claimed to be just enjoying his work. But Aamir made his work his life and continues to do the same, even with all the backlash that comes with it, with the aim to give the ‘perfect’ film to his audience.
Being the mentor for young talent
Would any superstar dare to play a supporting part while young actors, and sometimes even kids took the meaty part? Be it Taare Zameen Par or Secret Superstar, Aamir enthralled the audience with a performance as warm as Mumbai’s current weather. Even in Dangal, the actor played the ageing father as he pushed his two daughters to become world champions. Aamir not only gave the industry some fine talent like Darsheel Zafary, Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh but also became their mentor.
Not a game show host but a social crusader
Kaun Banega Crorepati, Dus Ka Dum, Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Ho? to Khatron Ke Khiladi, every big star has turned host for TV shows. These reality shows not only brought them closer to fans but became a part of their identity and brand. But Aamir being Aamir, he picked an unconventional Satyamev Jayate for his TV outing. The show had the actor discuss social issues, sometimes even critical ones with the utmost sensitivity. He also showcased his emotional side on the Star Plus show. It even gave him a bad reputation as an easy crier, but did that even matter to him?
To err is human, to accept it, is integrity
Not every film is a hit, and not every movie is loved but have you heard of a leading actor apologising publicly for the failure of his film? After the big-budget Thugs of Hindostan tanked at the box office, Aamir Khan took full responsibility and apologised for not living up to the expectations of his viewers. At the award ceremony of India’s Storytellers Script Contest in 2018, the actor said, “Majority of the people did not like the film and we are aware of the fact. So there is no doubt that we did go wrong. I want to apologise to the viewers who came to watch my film in the theatres as I was not able to entertain them despite trying my best. But those who came with so many expectations did not enjoy the film and I am feeling very bad about it.” It takes guts to accept your mistake and integrity to do it publicly, even when you may not be answerable to anyone.
Being open about his personal life
When Aamir Khan entered the film industry, he was a happily married man. He gave gossip mongers no opportunity to whip up linkups and rumours. Unlike many actors, he was confident about his image, and thus did not shy away from accepting he was getting divorced. He also openly announced his relationship and later marriage with Kiran Rao. With the same dignity, he even informed the world when they decided to part ways. Aamir has never played tricks to ‘protect his image’ and rather believed that honesty is the best policy.
Happy Birthday, Aamir Khan.
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