In a wide-ranging conversation with Rohan Dua on The New Indian, Aamir Khan opens up about parenting, insecurity, cinema, social responsibility, and the values that shaped his journey.
Q: Aamir, you’ve often chosen socially relevant subjects. What draws you to such stories?
Aamir Khan:
Honestly, I don’t consciously plan it. It just happens. If I look back today, I realise that a large part of my work has dealt with social issues—films like Taare Zameen Par, Rang De Basanti, Lagaan, and even Satyamev Jayate.
If I have to credit someone, it would be my mother. She had a deep influence on my upbringing. She is extremely sensitive, empathetic, and always thinking about others. From childhood, that sensitivity became part of me. Naturally, I get attracted to stories that are human, that affect us in our everyday lives.
Q: Was this inclination always there, or did it develop over time?
Aamir Khan:
When I started my career, I wasn’t thinking in these terms at all. I was simply doing what felt right at that time. But today, when I look back at my 35-year-long career, I realise that many of my choices reflect a concern for society.
That said, I’ve also done big commercial entertainers like Ghajini and Dhoom 3. I enjoy those too. But when a story comes my way that talks about something deeper—something that affects people—I naturally feel drawn towards it.
Q: You recently worked closely with neurodivergent actors. Was that challenging?
Aamir Khan:
Not at all. In fact, I was surprised myself. People assume it must have been difficult or time-consuming, but that wasn’t the case.
These actors came through a proper casting process, rehearsed like any other actors, and were just as prepared as neurotypical actors. They remembered their lines, understood instructions clearly, and the process was very smooth.
The problem isn’t their ability—it’s our tendency to underestimate them.
Q: What did you personally learn from working with them?
Aamir Khan:
One thing they have—which many of us don’t—is contentment. They’re genuinely happy people.
Think about it: from childhood, they are excluded—from schools, birthday parties, social circles. Yet they remain joyful. When they come on set, the entire atmosphere changes. Everyone’s mood lifts. In many ways, they are our real-life coaches.
Q: Your film also touches upon flaws and self-acceptance. Even your height is referenced. Was that deliberate?
Aamir Khan:
Yes, it was deliberate. The character is a basketball coach, and in that world, everyone is very tall. So naturally, he feels insecure.
But more importantly, the idea was to show that no human being is perfect. We are all flawed in some way. The character judges others but is forced to confront his own shortcomings. That’s something all of us do—we judge people too quickly.
Q: Did you ever feel insecure about your height in real life?
Aamir Khan:
In the beginning, yes. When I entered the industry, everyone around me was tall. I genuinely worried that I might get rejected because of my height.
But once my first film worked and people appreciated my performance, I slowly realised that these external things don’t really matter. What truly matters is who you are from within.
Q: Looking back at Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, did you ever imagine becoming a heartthrob?
Aamir Khan:
Not at all. None of us imagined the film would become such a massive success. We were actually very anxious during the making—always thinking what could have been better.
Even the marketing was very basic. We put posters and stickers on autos and taxis ourselves because there was nothing else to do at that time. When the film released and people loved it so deeply, we were genuinely shocked.
Q: Do you have a favourite moment from the film even today?
Aamir Khan:
Yes. The scene where my character comes home after Juhi’s engagement. I know my father is angry and waiting for me, but instead of hitting me, he hugs me when I start crying.
That father-son moment still touches me deeply.
Q: You’ve done intense cinema as well as light-hearted entertainers. Do you value both equally?
Aamir Khan:
Absolutely. Not every film needs to be about a social issue. Pure entertainment has its own value.
Films like Teesri Manzil or Manmohan Desai’s movies didn’t necessarily have social messages, but they gave people joy. Any film that entertains and stays with you has worth.
Q: You’re not known as a typical dancer, yet films like Dil established that side of you. How do you see yourself as a dancer?
Aamir Khan:
I’m honestly not a great dancer. I’ve struggled a lot with choreography. Compared to actors like Hrithik or Ranbir, I’m nowhere close.
I enjoy dancing once in a while, but it doesn’t come naturally to me.
Q: Your films like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar became almost compulsory viewing for students. Did you realise their impact back then?
Aamir Khan:
No, not at all. We never imagined that songs like Pehla Nasha would become timeless.
Music plays a huge role in my life, but interestingly, I don’t enjoy listening to my own songs. I prefer Hindi film music from the 1950s and 60s—the golden era of Sahir Ludhianvi, R.D. Burman, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar. That music is unmatched.
Q: As a father, how different are you from your own father?
Aamir Khan:
Very different. My father was strict and short-tempered. I was scared of him as a child.
With my kids, I’m very relaxed. Our relationship is more like friends. We discuss everything openly. I allow them to make mistakes. I don’t want to mould them into something I imagine. Every person has their own personality, and that authenticity should be protected.
Q: What qualities do you admire most in your children—Junaid, Ira, and Azad?
Aamir Khan:
All three are extremely sensitive and empathetic. That’s something I’m very proud of.
They also don’t enjoy or depend on my wealth. They value simplicity and independence. As a parent, that gives me immense satisfaction.
Q: Finally, what philosophy guides your life today?
Aamir Khan:
There are only two ways to live life. One is to accept everything as it is and keep tolerating it. The other is to take responsibility and try to change things.
I believe in the second. Don’t chase success—chase excellence. Success will follow.
