Aamir Khan as DJ Rang De Basanti

It is difficult to relentlessly pay close attention to detail with diligence and passion that is always directed towards offering the best in front of the camera. As an actor Aamir Khan has done just that, devoting time and attention to every project he has undertaken. His refreshingly down-to-earth persona combined with the passionate intensity with which he tackles every role has earned him undying love and respect from the audience.

The Times of India poll in the past on the comparative popularity of the reigning Khans (Aamir 60% votes, Shah Rukh Khan 32% and Salman 8%), or the Forbes.com poll (where he, along with Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan were the only male stars listed) are self explanatory.

A scion of a prominent film industry family (father, Mr. Tahir Hussain, and uncle, the late Nasir Hussain), Aamir had an early exposure to various nuances of the medium. The urge to be involved in films was only natural, resulting in an early beginning as assistant director on Mr. Nasir Hussain's Manzil Manzil and Zabardast.

While in college itself, Aamir had developed an active interest in theatre. He joined the theatre group, 'Avantar,' under director Mahendra Joshi, working backstage as well as acting in two plays, one Gujarati called Kesar Bina, and the other English called Clearing House. The acting bug had finally caught on. It was, however, his soul-mate and cousin, Mansoor Khan (son of Mr. Nasir Hussain), who finally saw his true potential and cast him as the male lead in his debut film, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Aamir had already dabbled in acting via his roles in alternative cinema (Ketan Mehta's Holi) and was accustomed to facing the camera (therefore not as nervous as any newcomer is bound to be in a big commercial set-up), and his confidence and youthful demeanor combined with a great face won him a fan following that an actor could only dream of.

Aamir never looked back after his commercial debut, both as a star, and as an actor. The short period after his successful debut, when he signed a few forgettable films was a learning process, making him seek like-minded individuals as directors, and to do only a limited number of assignments with conviction. Thus, it isn't surprising that Aamir has done fewer films than most in his relatively long career. But the unforgettable characters that he has essayed over the years have left an indelible impression on cinegoers. Films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Raakh, Dil, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Andaaz Apna Apna, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Rangeela, Raja Hindustani, Ishq, Ghulam, 1947 Earth, Sarfarosh, Dil Chahta Hai and Lagaan constitute a body of work that any actor would be envious of.

Aamir's last few films have cemented his position as a thinking actor and a top-ranking star. Ghulam (1998) had Aamir portraying a street-smart misguided youth, Siddharth Marathe, who transforms himself from a rogue to a humanist. In the same film, Aamir also belted out the phenomenally popular track, 'Aati kya Khandala,' whose popularity made it the film anthem of the year. With Sarfarosh (1999), Aamir shifted tracks and portrayed an upright IPS Officer, ACP Rathod, who treasures his country more than anything else. And in Deepa Mehta's 1947 Earth (1999) one sees the versatile Aamir as Dilnawaz, who is left scarred and bitter after the partition. Dilnawaz's trasition from the fun-loving and lovelorn ice candy man into a diabolic and vindictive man is portrayed brilliantly by the actor. Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai (2001) saw a new look Aamir proving he was the Nation's premiere youth icon, with his look redefining style in Indian cinema forever.

Aamir's versatility is defined by his impressive repertoire, making him an actor who has always taken the road less traveled. This was especially evident in Lagaan (2001), also his debut home production. Set against the backdrop of Queen Victoria's British Raj, the story takes place in the small village of Champaner. A tale of extraordinary circumstances thrust upon ordinary people, it revolves around Bhuvan, a simple but defiant villager who takes on the might of the British Raj by accepting a challenge that looks impossible to deliver upon.

Then came the much awaited Mangal Pandey - The Rising, a mammoth project, which was one of the most expensive films shot in India, and was set against the backdrop of the East India Company, and the first uprising of 1857.

And now, with Rang De Basanti, Aamir portrays the role of DJ, a youngster who passed out from college five years back, but still wants to be a part of the University, because he doesn't think there is too much out there in the real world to look forward to. DJ takes the journey of a 'guy' oblivious to where his future was going, to a man awakened. He traces an extraordinary journey of smiles, realizations and the inevitable truth of life - growing up. Aamir's other interest (besides films and films and films) include the whole wide world of sports, chess and reading.