Aamir won't be doing any films for next one year

By Subhash K Jha

After a gloriously bravura and spectacularly successful performance in Ghajini, Aamir Khan has finally decided to do what he was planning for quite a while.

He has taken a full year off from acting and movies.

Aamir is wrapping up his work on the film before moving on to a year of relaxation and introspection.

Says one of his co-stars from the film, "Aamir has been talking about re-charging his batteries, giving himself that much-needed break. Ghajini and all the preparation has been specially exhausting both physically and emotionally. Aamir is the kind of actor who works purely for the love of cinema. And right now he needs to take a break."

A source close to Aamir spills the beans, "It's true Aamir is finally taking a year off after 3 Idiots is completed. Actually he was planning to do so last year after Taare Zameen Par where the double responsibility of directing and acting really sapped him.

But then he was coaxed into Ghajini and then began his physical re-orientation, the muscle-building and body-toning that really exhausted the method actor."

It's time for a prolonged break.

Says the source, "Aamir is ready to take that long-pending break. Yes, he wont be doing any films for the next one year. And this time I've a feeling no power on earth will convince him to take up another offer until he's ready to return to acting by his own free will."

Aamir Khan Productions currently busy with Abhinay Deo's Delhi Belly and Kiran Rao's Dhobi Ghat is expected to remain fully active as the man at its helm takes time off to travel, read scripts, watch films and spend time with his children.

Ghajini producer Madhu Mantena is one of the hopefuls who would just have to eait until Aamir is rejuvenated.

Says Madhu, "Is Aamir really taking time off? He has earned it. But it's bad news for people like us. I was hoping to sign him for another film after Ghajini."