Aamir got attention with the Narmada controversy

Shabana Azmi in a vitriolic attack on the fascist forces supported Aamir by stating that why does film personalities' role in the society ought to be limited to Aids awareness campaigns or doing shows for calamity victims. Shatrughan Sinha on his part chided Khan by saying that the Lagaan star shouldn't have taken a stand without doing his homework. In spite of huge support and opposition, Aamir Khan didn't bend. Fanaa went on to become a super hit even without getting a release in the lucrative Gujarat territory. It's been almost a year but Aamir never spoke anything about the rehabilitation of the poor and needy even though he had promised to do an appraisal of state government promises after a few months. Nor did he take up any cause since then.

Known for being ultra secretive about his personal as well as professional life, news about him filters through 'sources'. His next venture, a home production Taare Zameen Par is mired in deep trouble since the beginning itself. Scriptwriter-Director Amol Gupte is an old Aamir friend. But very soon there were reports about serious differences between the 'old friends'. Incidentally, it's more or less confirmed that TZP is going to be Aamir's debut as a director (everyone knew he'd turn a director some day).

Another unpleasant news that surfaced during the making of this film were the reported 'differences' with second wife Kiran Rao (remember she is an aspiring director herself) about the way the film should proceed. The shocking rumours that started doing the rounds recently were reports of Aamir splitting with Kiran after merely a year of marriage. A gossip magazine (that particular magazine has longstanding issues with Aamir) in their cover story for this month stated: "Aamir's marriage is over". In a smart move to bolster their sales, a big advertisement of May issue was published in a leading tabloid of Mumbai ensuring a juicy story to discuss. Both for the media as well as the general public in locals, malls, cine halls etc.

Once again, tongues are wagging that this controversial rumour has been started by Aamir camp to boost the prospects of Taare Zameen Par where he plays father to a dyslexic kid. But it seems a preposterous thought. For an Aamir Khan film made at a modest budget of Rs 6 crores is a winning proposition even before getting a release in theatres. Any trade pundit would testify that.

One thing everyone would agree is that every Aamir Khan movie is awaited with immense eagerness. Call it Demand-Supply chain or maybe an association of quality with his movies, both trade and aam junta are always mighty excited about any new Aamir Khan release.

So, what do you say, who is the real Aamir Khan? An actor who works extra hard on every shot that he takes or a recluse who avoids film award functions and refuses to get bracketed in any of the Bollywood camps? A visionary who has traveled on a path that no one dared to tread upon. Or a genius who thrives on controversy of both personal as well as professional nature to get his work noticed? What's your opinion.

Prev

Archives