Aamir Khan - The versatile actor

By: Smitha Nambiar
Wednesday, March 29, 2006

You don't see him often. But, when you do, he always manages to create ripples.... not only at the box-office, but also in the minds of his diehard fans.

Aamir Khan is one such human being who has carved himself a niche in the big bad world of Bollywood using both his talent and brain. The man who was awarded Padma Bhushan for the year 2003 by the Government of India goes by the philosophy 'one at a time'. All his films have a gap of one, two or more years, unlike other actors.

This groovy actor, who prefer to lay down his own set of rules was born on March 14 1965 to Tahir (Director) and Zeena Hussain Khan. He has two sisters named Nikhat and Farhad while his brother Faizal Khan is a VJ and an actor.

Aamir was first introduced as a child artiste in the super hit Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), which was soon followed by Madhoshi (1974). Aamir for some time after that drifted from films and went on to become the state tennis champion for Maharashtra. This was the time he met Reena, who was then his neighbour. Apparently, Aamir proposed to her the day he turned 21, and she accepted. The fact that Reena hailed from a Hindu family while Aamir was a devout Islamic caused enough concern for the family who objected to their marriage. So, they eloped, got married and returned to their homes. The secret remained for five months until one fine day Reena had to disclose the news to her family. It was in the year 1986 that the duo got married in public and began living together.

Reena even appears in the song 'Papa Kehte Hain' in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1989) opposite Juhi Chawla. His first leading role, as the doomed Romeo shot him to instant fame. This was soon followed with Dil (1990), Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin (1990), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992), and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993).

If you have seen Aamir in Andaz Apna Apna (1994), you would know what makes him such a great actor. This Rajkumar Santoshi film, starring Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor was one of the funniest films of the year. Aamir's delicious wickedness and 'I am so smart' sort of act would keep you in splits throughout the film. Unfortunately the film did not do well. However, this flop did not hamper Aamir's career in any manner.

Whether it was playing the local city boy in Rangeela (1995), a taxi driver in Raja Hindustani (1996) or the flamboyant youngster in Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Aamir did all of that in style.

Then came Lagaan (2001) that surpassed all expectations. The film starring Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh and a host of other stars with the theme of cricket did exceedingly well. In fact, the film was even nominated for the Oscars. What's more, there was also a documentary made on the making of the film titled Chale Chalo: The Making Of An Epic. This is the first ever attempt to chronicle a Hindi film.

This Bollywood megastar, in his recent visit to Pakistan emphasised the need for building trust and friendship between the two countries. The actor was touring the country to raise funds for a cancer hospital built by former cricketer Imran Khan in Lahore. The bat that hit a six on the last ball of the match in the film Lagaan fetched Rs. 6 million at the auction, thanks to Aamir.

On the personal front, Aamir Khan has suffered public estrangements from his nearest family members. In December 2002, he and Reena (whom he was wedded to for sixteen long years) got divorced by mutual consent. Of course not much is known about the cause of break-up. Reena was given the custody of their two kids - Junaid and Aira. In July 2000, Aamir also became estranged in a very public way from his father. The rumour mill said the break came due to Aamir's disapproval of his father's involvement with Divya Palat, a much younger actress whose work Tahir intended to showcase with his production company. Others claimed Aamir was reacting to news that his father had been raising funds by trading on his son's name and reputation.

Some time back, every other newspaper and magazines carried article about his secret wedding with his newest girlfriend Kiran Rao, in a ceremony in London. Apparently, the actor first met Rao on the sets of Lagaan where she was an assistant director. However, Aamir has denied the rumour. Grapevine also has it that the actor had a torrid affair with Jessica Hines, an English writer who delivered their son, Jaan Harry Hines, on September 14 2003.

For those who are upset about not having seen their favourite hero for a long time, watch him in Ketan Mehta's Mangal Pandey - The Rising based on the 1857 rebellion. The film will hit the silver screen on August 12th. This will be Aamir's first film in 2005 and has great hopes pinned on it. The actor has also sung a few lines of a song in this movie. The starcast also includes Rani Mukherjee and Amisha Patel.

Then there is Rakesh Mehra's Rang De Basanti that will cover the trials and tribulations of the city Delhi.

Aamir is one of the few actors who have acted in all genres of Indian films - comedy, action, drama and romance. Though he performs in few films, Aamir Khan is acknowledged today as the most complete Indian actor for his diverse choice of roles and films. Let us hope that this versatile actor will bring to us more reasons to be proud of. Way to go Aamir!