||Bonding with so called 'Intellectuals' # CC 23 (IO) - Page 67

Aamir Khan opens up about the AIB Roast controversy, his upcoming film Dangal and standing on the threshold of 50.

Your 'violent' reaction to AIB Roast sparked off criticism from not just industry colleagues but also stand-up comedian Russell Peters, who asked you to "shut up" because you aren't even a real artiste, just an actor mouthing someone else's lines...

I respect everyone's opinion. For me freedom of speech and expression is an important right and should be protected at all costs. But I also feel that freedom comes with responsibility which should be self-exercised. It's unfortunate that caught between the rightwing fascists and the 'no-holdsbarred' faction, the moderates are in danger of losing their voice. I'm aware that if you sign up for the Roast, you sign up to insult each other. But, in this case, even those who hadn't signed up were being targeted, like Farida Jalal, Reema Lagoo and a beautiful, young girl I love dearly.

The young girl whom I've known since she was a kid, was the butt of racist and sexist jokes. She did not even know that a live audience was watching this and couldn't protect herself. That is unfair! This is what I meant when I described the show as "violent". Films which depict violence are fictional but this young girl is real. So my reaction was more emotional than moralistic.

I wasn't objecting to the use of expletives or adult jokes. If two consenting adults wish to insult each other, that's their problem. But you can't go around attacking anyone you feel like. That is no different from the physical violence we see around us and object to. And when someone uses the words "shut up", it makes me believe that these people are certainly not a part of the group that is for freedom of speech.

The counter argument is that you produced the adult comedy Delhi Belly and posed nude for the posters of P.K.

As I said, I have no moral issues with the use of expletives in content meant for adults. When we made Delhi Belly we were making a film which was meant for an adult certification. In P.K. I play an alien and they don't wear clothes on his planet. For me, there's no vulgarity in nudity. That is how we are born into this world.

What's your reaction to the CBFC Chairperson's list of banned cuss words?

I'm against censorship. Instead I think we should have a Rating System. Nobody should have the right to delete what a person wants to express. But you can rate it and say that the content may not be appropriate for persons below a certain age group. The present rating is confusing, U/A is too vague a term. As a parent when I take my child to the theatre I'd be more reassured if I had a rating on a film like Parental Guidance (PG 12), Parental Guidance (PG 15) or 18 and above. That clearly tells me that the content is not recommended for a child below this age.

Also, we need to move with the times. Today, even the biggest of blockbusters like 3 Idiots or P.K. (content which is censored) is watched in the theatres by only 3 per cent of the population of India, while 60-70 per cent of the population, with mobile connectivity even in remote areas, has access to uncensored content on their smart phones. In this fast-changing scenario, censorship has become redundant. I feel the Rating System would serve our filmmakers and audience better.

The box office figures are getting bigger with each film. Is that reassuring?

Figures are an indicator that your film has been liked and that is reassuring, more so in the case of films like P.K. that is not your typical mainstream cinema with romance and action. For the last 15 years, I've been challenging myself and my audience with Sarfarosh, Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots and P.K. The potentially 'safe' films like Fanaa, Ghajini and Dhoom 3 have been few and far between.

For me the journey is as important as the destination. I have to enjoy myself through the two years of the making of a film. But, I admit, I feel extremely vulnerable when my films are close to release as I'm never sure of the audience's reaction.

In a few days I'll turn 50. When I look back on my 25-year career, I realise, in retrospect, that I've never played by the rules. Some higher force must be looking out for me because so far the gambles have paid off and I've reached where I've reached because of my writers and directors.

Will things change after 50?

Success is a great by-product but I'm not driven by it. I will always follow my heart, no matter how many tides I've to swim against.

Does it feel any different to be almost 50?

Not really. In my head I still see myself as an 18 year old. Reality strikes only when I've to do the physical stuff. As actors, we have to jump across age lines. I've played a character younger than me a few times, this time I'll play one who's a little older.

You're working out to play a wrestler in Dangal now?

Dangal is not just a film about wrestling, it's an emotional journey of a father and his two daughters, which teaches us to empower our girls. Nitish Tiwari's narration made me laugh and cry, it inspired me and made me feel the thrill of celebration.

I play an ageing ex-wrestler with four daughters, two of whom are young adults, so I'm ageing myself. I'm also training in wrestling and learning Haryanvi.

The casting of the four daughters has created a buzz...

The film will focus on the two older daughters. Casting is one of the biggest challenges. Work is in progress, no decision has been taken yet by Nitesh.

Do son Juniad and daughter Ira want to follow in your footsteps?

I have no idea. If they need me, they will ask. Reena, Kiran and I are always there for them. Azaad is three and in play school. When Kiran was on a recee in the North and at the Berlin film festival, I got to be a single parent to him. It was a special time, he's at an adorable age.

Besides Dangal, are you producing any other film?

We've liked one other script by a young director.

And what about Kiran's next?

She's been working on a few subjects but her focus is Azaad, so it could take a little more time.