5 Times birthday man, Aamir Khan took the UNCONVENTIONAL route..!
A walks down the memory lane when Aamir surprised one and all with his decisions...
Published: Monday,Mar 14, 2016 13:04 PM GMT-06:00
Bollywood has had a series of legendary performing actors over the
years. From the likes of
Prithviraj Kapoor to
Ranbir Kapoor, not only the
Kapoor clan, but the evolution of actors overall has been awe-inspiring.
However, one actor who revolutionized movie-going experience and put the real 'acting'
talent in perspective in modern cinema is none other than-Mr.
Aamir Khan.
An illustrious career like that of
Aamir Khan is not just determined by
making 'safe' choices. In a career spanning over the mark of silver jubilee, we
list the five times, Aamir took the unconventional route in his journey and
still emerged the winner..!
1. Decision to STOP attending award ceremonies
When was the last time you heard about an actor, who at the tip of his
career and still young, decides to stop attending the much-hyped award
ceremonies? Well, I am assuming never, till Aamir took this flabbergasting
decision. It was the times, when Aamir starred in the cult youth film, 'Jo
Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' and just when he thought he deserved an award for it, the
award was given to
Anil Kapoor for the film, '
Beta'.
Many assumed it to be an 'egoistic' or 'jealous' notion, Aamir defended it by
mentioning how he did not trust the award ceremonies and hence chose not to be
a part of it. Several debates have taken place over the years about it, till
some people started favouring his call, when
Shah Rukh Khan won the Best Actor Award
for the 'more' commercially viable, '
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' in spite of
Aamir starring in the critically and commercially successful film, '
Rangeela'.
2. Two brave decisions for the film 'Ghulam' 
Today is the age and trend of actors-turning-playback singers. It is accepted
widely in modern cinema. However, back in the 90s, it wasn't even an option for
any actor to take this 'risk'.
Amitabh Bachchan, though, had broken the ice by
singing in films like '
Laawaris' and '
Mr. Natwarlal'. But, Aamir took the brave
decision to go ahead and sing the iconic song, 'Aati Kya Khandala', and as we
say the rest is history!
Stunts have been immortalized by action king,
Akshay Kumar over the
years, but not many expected the 'sweet' and 'chocolate' boy Aamir to be
remembered for his action scenes. However, '
Ghulam' was absolutely a special film
for him, where Aamir did the unthinkable and performed the 'epic running
towards a moving train' sequence HIMSELF. The time difference of Aamir jumping
off the tracks and the train barging by him was a mere 1.3 seconds..! PHEW..!!
3. Starring in the art film, '1947: Earth'
Today, cinema has evolved and niche films have their audience. Films with
content being its hero and with no commercial pull whatsoever are appreciated
and applauded today. But, back then, the scope was limited then one would think.
And Aamir, being the risk-taker, as we know him, took the astonishing decision
to star in the art film, '
1947 Earth'. Where he was said 'not to do it', Aamir
did it and the film went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed
films along with being India's official entry to the Academy Awards (Oscars) in
the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film that year.
4. Decision to PRODUCE along with starring in the magnum opus, 'Lagaan'. 
We have seen dream projects of several actors and directors backfire
miserably over the period of time. And it becomes more painful when there is a
humongous amount of money invested in it. But when it clicks, it becomes a
historical decision.
Ashutosh Gowarikar's dream magnum opus, '
Lagaan' is currently a part of the
history books. But, back then, the film was in the situation of never having a
kickstart. The director himself, confessed that when he approached Aamir with
the script, he was gladly on-board. But, the bigger challenge was finding a
producer for the film, as it needed an unprecedented amount of money. And none
other than Aamir became the person to give him the belief and faith to go ahead
and make it while he will produce the film himself..
The next thing we know is that '
Lagaan' became a major critical and commercial
success along with being only the third film in Indian film history to be
nominated at the Academy Awards after being India's official entry.
Actors turning directors have been a trend since ages. But, the only common
thread in the whole chain has always been opting for 'safe' and 'commercially
sane' projects. Being the trendsetter and unconventional person that Aamir is,
he took the decision to make his debut as a director with the child educational
drama film, 'Taare Zameer Par'.
There have been several debates about how it was writer-director, Amole Gupte's
dream project, but Aamir was not convinced with Amole's direction abilities
after approving his brilliant script. But, barring all the criticism, Aamir
directed the film himself amazingly, with Amole being the guiding force with
him, as confessed by Amole himself. The film was loved immensely and almost
unanimously by everyone emerging to be a major critical and commercial success.
..And a special mention
The five most unconventional decisions are already been listed, however, even
today, Aamir hasn't stopped taking the 'hard' route. Everyone know that Aamir
is set to star in the upcoming film, '
Dangal'. However, he has been in the news
constantly on how he is going through staggering physical transformations for
the film. Be it gaining oodles of weight to portray a 50 year old retired
wrestler or be on the path to loose oodles of weight again for an important
segment of the film; Aamir truly defines of what is being 'an actor'.
We wish the iconic actor, Mohammed Aamir Hussain Khan, a very happy and
blessed birthday..!
Kunal Kothari
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Comments (12)
Mr Aamir Khan, the finest actor of his era in Bollywood, and the actor I respect the most in BW! I can hands down say he is the only BW actor of his time who never gave a bad performance. Truly a perfectionist and a master at his craft! Happy 50th birthday and all the very best to you in this new decade of life! Always a risk taker, I admire your spunk Mr Khan. From Dil to 3 idiots, you always made bold choices. Loved every performance of yours I have seen. The last being "Talash" which was such an intense and emotional performance. Respect!
8 years ago
Hearty congrats on yur half century Aamir jaan. Stay blessed , keep rocking and going srrong, wshing you a very happy birthday today tomorrow and beyond for many many more down the road. Love you. Enjoy and cheers.
8 years ago
Happy birthday to the one of the most finest and hard working actors India has!
8 years ago
Mr. perfectionist Happy Birthday Aamir Khan.expecting more quality films .
8 years ago
Happy birthday Amir Khan respect u as an actor
8 years ago
Happy Birthday Aamir Khan He has been trendsetter with many amazing films on awesome concepts :D
8 years ago
Happy Birthday Aamir Khan love your films hope u keep entertaining us
8 years ago
Happy birthday Aamir Khan. May Allah bless u :)
8 years ago
many more happy returns of the day aamir khan.
8 years ago
Happy Birthday Aamir Khan .. Mr. perfectionist .. expecting more quality films from you India Forums it was an amazing article indeed .. thoroughly enjoyed.
8 years ago