Prejudices -
a) If your uncle or dad is associated with film industry, they will definitely try to give you an edge! Is that bad? And will everyone make it big with family support?
Heard of "Himalaya" (Bhagyasree’s husband - dont know the marital status as of now) who tried to make it big?
What about Amjad Khan’s son? (Dont remember the name)
Abhay Deol and Vivek Oberoi are still strugglers - even though I think they will make big in life some day!
b) Is it bad to reinvent yourself with new looks?
c) Is it bad to shy away from media, award institutions?
d) Is it bad to break your marriage after having two kids?
e) Is it bad to be outspoken and shows bad temperament to degrade fellow colleagues?
These were the most common comments held against Aamir Khan!
Let me take you through his journey as a child artist to till date - For me that counts! Rest is not totally irrelevant as we have the strange habit to consider Film Stars as role models! But at the end of the day what need to be counted?
Aamir born to a well off family as the son of a Film Producer and Nephew of a well known director and producer. Also, his clan is proud to have prominent national figures like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Zakir Hussain (Source Wikipedia).
Ketan Mehta’s Holi was his debut movie as an adult and since then he would have acted in less than Forty movies.
1984 to 1991 - he was known to be the lover boy and heartrob of every girl! Being a guy, he didnot impress me at all. But a few movies which impressed me being QSQT (Great performance for a beginner) and Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi. DHKMN - he had shown the flexibility to a great extent where in he was a struggler, lover, jealous.
1991 - 95 - At the age of 25 - 26, he acted in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander as a 15-16 year old kid! I do consider this as one of the finest performance from his side where in he could do justice to all the stupidities of a teen ager with his brilliant screen presence.
Andaz Apna Apna was a 100% nonsense movie with lots of entertaining stuff! He proved himself to be one of the best in the industry to handle humour (eventhough he did it only rarely). I still can’t forget "Aylaaa, Juhi Chawla" dialogue from the movie. Salman is totally eclipsed by Aamir in this movie eventhough Sallu did a brilliant job!
Rangeela Tapori language was a next to impossible task which was expected out of him. Even though, the make up and other stuff portray him to be a bit polished the role was safe with Aamir.
1996 to 2001 - I do consider this as his golden period. He got variety roles during this period.
Raja Hindustani is not among my personal favourites eventhough Aamir did a good job. Their, he was becoming a bit repetitive handling the bhola - bhala type of role with intense emotions.
But some how I cant forget his expressions during the song "Pardeshi, Pardeshi Jana nahi" - Seems, he was in the verge of break down --- A similar scene I have seen is Amitab in "Oh Sathi re" (Friends, there is no comparison here - just scene to scene comparison only)
Ghulam - was one movie where in he tried to come up with the image of an action hero even though the theme was different. Fairly good job done here too.
1947 Earth - was a surprise - where he played a negative role. Remember - he refused to play the role in Darr once and Shahrukh capitalised it. But ofcourse, Aamir was not good at his choices here - 1947 Earth did have an adverse effect on his image.
Dil Chahta Hai - What more to say - My personal favourite! All where good, Aamir, Saif and Akshay! Ofcourse, Dimple, Preity! And Aamir again as an immature guy got trapped in various situation - this role did demand a lot from him towards behaving as a matured and seasoned actor! No hulla - gulla, screaming, yelling like what we see in typical bollywood movies but your body language should create the same ambience. Amazing job done.
Lagan - One epic from his side. I think Aamir started thinking a lot about movies like a serious film maker, director, actor from Lagan onwards! His passion to take up the project should have an effect on his overall personality!
2005 - Till Date -
Mangal Pandey - A damp squid! Nothing much to day and the dude wasted his time in growing moustache for a year!
Fanaa - Awwwwww ----- he did act as Aamir but nothing to say about it!
Rang De Basanti - Perfect. I dont think he is the hero of the movie but he is the soul of the movie. The tapori of Rangeela started speaking Punjbai in this movie! Lots of pranks, energy ---- he did his best in this movie.
Tare Zameen Par - Dude, if you direct this movie - you have way to go! He let the script to take its course with out any hurdle! Its a smooth flow and as perfect as a painting in the celluloid!
And now ---- Ghajini is the first action oriented movie he is taking up in his entire career span! Hard to believe? And now, he learned the technique of network (probably from SRK) also. He did lot of publicity stunts for sure - including becoming barbar to some guys in Delhi yesterday!
Apart from marketing gimmicks, Ghajini should be one of the most demanding movie! Dont just go to see the sizzling eight pack abs! But he has to deliver the dielemma of an amnesia patient! Though I am a bit skeptic about the commerical success of the movie - I am keen to watch Aamir! Because this movie should bring one of the best from him so far (no comaprison with Memento for sure. I cant think of Nolan’s genius in Murugadoss)
And finally ---- In three idiots, the 44 year old dude is becoming IIT student again! He need to say "good bye" to his abs and I am sure Mr. Perfect will do it for sure. I still believe, Raj Kumar Hirani is a sensibel film maker and will have his ideas before choosing Aamir as his hero!
Inshort - I love the way in whcih Aamir reinvent himself as an actor, director and producer. He is calculative and ofcourse do have a head strong attitude! But alas, I cant help watching him!
PS -
a) This post is dedicated to Fenil Seta - Our Bollywood Specialist
b) If some major movies are omitted, its not purposeful
c) This is not a publicity stunt for Ghajini
Thanks for being here!