Aamir Khan, a prominent figure in Bollywood, has garnered acclaim for his roles in some of India’s most beloved films, such as Lagaan and 3 Idiots.
His immense popularity is such that he struggles to navigate the streets without being swarmed by admirers.
It is less commonly known that he decided to step away from films during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing time with his loved ones.
“I informed my family that I have decided to step away from acting and films,” he stated in an interview with BBC News.
“I had no desire to take on the roles of producer, director, or actor.” The desire to be with family was paramount.
The decision of a prominent figure such as Khan to step away from the film industry has the potential to create significant ripples across India, a country deeply captivated by cinema.
He elaborates that his decision went largely unnoticed then, primarily because the pandemic had significantly reduced the number of films produced.
“Nobody was aware of it,” he states.
Supporters can finally find some comfort, however.
Khan’s departure from the scene was brief. He has returned to the spotlight, actively promoting his latest project, Laapataa Ladies, also known as Lost Ladies, a film he has produced. India has officially selected its entry for the Oscars in the best international feature film category.
Khan revealed that his children persuaded him to return to the workforce.
“They expressed their concerns, stating, ‘However, we cannot spend 24 hours with you.'” It’s time to face reality and embrace a more fulfilling existence. “They gently encouraged me to return to the films,” he states.
Khan, now 59, boasts a career spanning three decades as an actor, director, and producer.
He is recognized as one of the three prominent figures in Bollywood, alongside fellow superstars Shah Rukh and Salman.
Aamir Khan‘s films, recognized for addressing pressing social issues, have garnered widespread acclaim and achieved remarkable box office success.
He is familiar with the Oscars. Lagaan, a cinematic portrayal of cricket set against the backdrop of the 19th Century British Empire, received a nomination for best foreign language film in 2002.
Khan is currently attempting to create a significant impact with Laapataa Ladies. If successful, this would mark the first time an Indian film secures the prestigious international award. On Tuesday, he will discover if it has secured a place on the shortlist.
Khan expressed uncertainty regarding the seriousness of awards, stating he’s “unsure how seriously” to approach them. “Cinema is inherently subjective,” he remarks.
He acknowledges that a victory would hold significant importance for India.
Indians have long been passionate about cinema, and there is a collective aspiration to secure an Academy Award for an Indian film, a feat that has yet to be achieved. The nation is poised to react with intense enthusiasm. “If we win, they’ll go mad,” he states.
“Winning the award would bring immense joy not only to me but also to the people of our nation.”
Laapataa Ladies unfolds in the heart of rural India, where a young man inadvertently brings home the wrong bride, setting off a series of unexpected events. In the interim, his wife finds herself adrift, compelled to navigate her circumstances independently.
The work serves as a satirical examination of the treatment of women, addressing the delicate issue of domestic violence.
Khan characterizes the narrative as possessing “a bit Shakespearean” quality, emphasizing its elements of humor and mistaken identities.
However, he emphasizes that it conveys significant messages regarding women’s issues, independence, and the right to choose.
He explains that these issues initially attracted him to the film.
“Occasionally, a creative individual encounters a chance to raise awareness about pressing societal issues,” he states.
Across the globe, women have faced numerous challenges throughout their lives. Women often face significant challenges in various aspects of life. “I believe this story effectively highlights that aspect in a compelling manner, which is why I was motivated to produce it.”
Khan strongly desired his ex-wife, Kiran Rao, to take on the film’s director role.
In a significant development, the couple, who tied the knot in 2005, revealed their separation in 2021. Despite the challenges, they have maintained a strong bond in their professional and personal lives.
“I selected Kiran because of her reputation for honesty, which was precisely what I was seeking,” he states.
A strong sense of camaraderie characterizes our relationship. The mutual affection and respect between us is profound. While our relationship may have undergone some changes, it does not imply that our feelings for one another have diminished in any way.
It is important to note that the journey has not been challenging.
Khan acknowledges that there were disputes during the filming process.
“A film cannot be produced without a compelling argument.” “We debate every issue and hold firm beliefs,” he states.
Our sensibilities align closely. The discussion at hand revolves around something other than fundamental issues. Efforts are being made to persuade the other party regarding a more effective method of communication.
Every year, Bollywood churns out hundreds of films, captivating a vast audience of Indians worldwide.
The influence that films and stars exert on the imagination of their fans is significant and undeniable.
Recent achievements at the Academy Awards include the “Naatu Naatu” victory from RRR, which secured the best original song, and “The Elephant Whisperers,” which was honored with the best documentary short film award.
However, success in the international film category has remained out of reach, a situation Khan attributes to the level of competition.
India has produced a remarkable array of films throughout the years. “Sometimes, it’s simply a case of the appropriate film not being submitted or the top film not making it through,” he states.
“It is essential to recognize that the competition extends beyond just a handful of films; it encompasses nearly 80 to 90 of the finest films globally.”
Khan expressed that it is “possible” for a Bollywood film to win the best overall film award one day.
However, he emphasizes that Indian filmmakers must prioritize creating films aimed at a global audience.
“I’ve never truly considered an international audience,” he states. “Our audience is so substantial that it rarely crosses our minds.”
Such a shift will occur only when filmmakers in India begin to create films aimed at a global audience. We must refrain from taking on this task.
Khan is concentrating on various projects besides Laapataa Ladies, including his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, slated for release in 2025.
With an eye on the future, he aims to produce one film annually, with his ultimate aspiration being to adapt the Mahabharat, the revered ancient Indian epic.
Since his return to the film industry, he has been resolute in his approach to doing things differently. This influence can once more be traced back to his children.
“My son remarked, ‘You’re an extreme person,'” he states.
He remarked, “You resemble a pendulum.” Your focus was solely on films. There is a shift in focus, as the intention is to step away from filmmaking and prioritize family life. “There exists an intermediary option that merits consideration.”
Khan reported that his son advised him to “try and bring some balance” into his life.
Initially, I believed he was correct. Since that time, I have been focused on achieving a balanced lifestyle. I am working harder than ever, taking on more responsibilities, yet I have consciously decided to refrain from working past 6 o’clock.
Khan has revealed that he began therapy in recent years, motivated by his daughter Ira, who is employed in the mental health field.
This aspect has significantly contributed to my progress. This experience has significantly enhanced my self-awareness.
Striking a balance between professional commitments and personal life has become a significant focus for many individuals. I have arrived at that particular stage now.
