MUMBAI: Actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan captivated the audience at WAVES 2025 with his candid and practical insights on ‘The Art of Acting’. Speaking from the Creatosphere stage in Mumbai, Khan delved into his process, shared valuable advice for budding actors, and reflected on the evolving landscape of cinema.
“I am not a trained actor,” admitted Khan. “I wanted to go to the National School of Drama, but couldn’t. I have picked up tips on the way, which work for me.” This humble confession set the tone for a heartfelt session, as the actor-creator emphasized authenticity and dedication over technique.
Aamir Khan laid bare his meticulous approach to character building, saying, “For 3-4 months, I only remain with the script.” His process involves deeply engaging with the script, repeatedly reading it to understand the character’s physicality and attitude. “If the script is good, you will understand the character… it will all come from it.”
Acknowledging his own challenges, Khan shared, “I have a weak memory. So, I hand-write dialogues. I take up the difficult scenes first. The dialogues must be by heart.” He added, “I do it every day for 3-4 months, and then it gets into me. You have to own it. When it was written, it was the scriptwriter’s. It later becomes yours.”
In a digital age of fast-paced technology, Khan reflected on how Artificial Intelligence is transforming cinema. “AI technology has enabled films to be shot without the actor in the scene! AI is capable of adding the actor later in the scene,” he remarked, signaling a significant shift in the film-making process.
He also touched upon the emotional rigor acting demands. “An actor has to repeat and go for retake of scenes with the same emotional intensity every day,” he noted, underlining the mental strength required in performance.
Khan’s most cherished film project? Without hesitation, he named Taare Zameen Par, highlighting its social impact: “It taught many parents to be patient with their children, support them and be empathetic.”
Among his many practical tips, the actor emphasized honesty and conviction. “The more honest you are, the better you will perform,” he said. “When I use emotion, it has to come from the script. You have to believe the script… The actor has to convince the audience about what is being shown.”
On what makes a good script, Khan explained, “A good script will have a clear premise. Goal setting should come in the first ten percent of the story. Otherwise, the interest of the audience will be lost.”
He also stressed the importance of collective storytelling: “Do what the scene demands, and don’t just think of your own work in it.”
Aamir Khan concluded the session by sharing his personal practice routine: “I visualize scenes before giving shots. I never look into the mirror while practicing scenes.”
The event culminated in a warm moment as Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju felicitated Aamir Khan, acknowledging his contributions to Indian cinema and his inspiring presence at WAVES 2025.
