Aamir teams up with Mani Ratnam

By: Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

Monday, March 27, 2006

Aamir Khan has never had it so good! The reticent actor, who lets his work speak for himself, has just delivered a super-success in Rang De Basanti. Agreed, Aamir has been a part of many a successful film in the past, but Rang De Basanti is his biggest grosser to date. Obviously, he has reasons to feel euphoric.

"Yes, I am thrilled with the success," a cheerful Aamir tells me. The supremely talented actor had gone off press after Mangal Pandey and now that Rang De Basanti has hit the bull's eye, his belief in letting the work speak for itself has only strengthened. "My reasons for staying away [from the media] were strictly professional. The media is supposed to be the watchdog, guiding and enlightening the nation all the while, but look at what it has stooped to these days? Sensationalism has taken over completely," he sounds concerned.

Back to Rang De Basanti. It's indeed surprising that the actor hasn't teamed up with Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra again. Generally, in Bollywood, a successful film only cements the relationship between two professionals. "He [Mehra] feels the script of his new film doesn't suit me. In fact, he was toying with the idea of making this script during Rang De Basanti itself and it was understood that I wouldn't be a part of it," the soft-spoken actor divulges.

Not that there are dearth of offers for Aamir. Now that Fanah is complete ["I haven't seen the film," says Aamir], he's ready to start work on two films. And, coincidentally, both the projects will be directed by South-based directors.

The announcement that's bound to create ripples is that of Mani Ratnam and Aamir teaming up for a film. Yes, Mani has signed Aamir for his forthcoming project that's expected to roll in October this year. "We were keen to work with one another for a long time. In fact, he had approached me earlier too, but things didn't work out. However, it's happening finally," he smiles.

Unlike Mani's last few films, this will be a one-language film, to be made in Hindi only. "I can't speak Tamil," Aamir states, "Right now, Mani hasn't finalized anyone else. Not even the leading lady. All I know is that I have allotted dates from October onwards."

The second project Aamir has given his confirmation to is the remake of the Tamil hit Ghajini. "It's the first time I am acting in a Tamil remake and I am pretty excited about it. It's not one of those typical masala films imported in Bollywood. There's solid substance in this one," Aamir enthuses. The director of the Tamil film, Murugadoss, will direct the Hindi version as well, the actor adds.