Red Sea Film Festival 2024: Aamir Khan Reveals Dream Collaboration with Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan

Aamir Khan’s journey to becoming one of India’s most admired actors wasn’t without its share of challenges. “I made a lot of mistakes early on in my career,” he admitted during a recent discussion at The 2024 Red Sea Film Festival held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“I wish I had been to film school. I had to learn on set... which is an expensive way to learn,” he added, before going on to reveal that it made him take on films he wasn't happy doing. “I decided then that until I love the film, the director, and trust the production house, I would not do it — even if it meant that my career would end.” The actor still sticks to this promise he made to himself. And it’s one that has paved the way for his success.

Fame, to Khan, felt strange and exciting. A few days after Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) (had been released), he recalled, “I was in a car and there was a couple next to me who smiled and waved. I hesitantly waved back wondering if they knew my parents!” he said. It took him a minute to realise that they had recognised him. 

When it comes down to his craft, his process entails getting into the head of his characters. “Once I understand their mind, everything flows from there. But I need to identify the energy of the character too,” he said. “Each of my roles have been very challenging. I approach each film with a lot of nervousness and excitement.”

While Dangal (2016) physically challenged Khan in terms of gaining and losing weight drastically, PK (2014) pushed him to understand the mind of an alien. The actor envies his contemporaries who can stay in character for months at a time, admitting that he remains in a state of semi-consciousness and must lose himself in the moment for a shot to come out well.

He added, “When Dangal came to me, I had just finished Dhoom 3 (2013) and PK. I was in top shape and had to play a 55-year-old man who was fat, greying and had three daughters.” He knew he was closer to the age of the latter and was apprehensive about the audience reaching that conclusion. But eventually, the movie refused to come “out of his blood” and he simply went for it.

“My fundamental responsibility is to entertain the audience. But every once in a while you come across a story that goes against the norm and when you do work like that, you contribute more to society,” said Khan.

His second responsibility is to change people’s lives, which is something that his film 3 idiots (2009) certainly managed to do. “I often get asked why I’m not doing Satyamev Jayate (2012) anymore. The truth is it’s because my entire team from the show has now moved to the Paani Foundation for some very important work we are doing in Maharashtra.”

The Ghajini star also revealed the possibility of a dream collaboration soon between him and the other two Khans: Salman and Shah Rukh. "About six months ago, Shah Rukh, Salman and I were together and we spoke about finally working together. I am the one who brought it up and told them that it would be really sad if we never ended up doing a film together... and they agreed too. Hopefully it will happen soon. It will need the right kind of story," he grinned, much to the excitement of the audience.

Besides being an actor, Khan is also one of the most notable film producers in India — though he claims it's a “thankless job”. “I had seen my father go through hell, so I was very sure I wouldn’t produce. But then, I found the script of Lagaan (2001) and fell in love,” he said, noting that he didn’t have the courage to say yes initially. 

Today, he hopes that his production house can be a platform for young talent — for the creative people whose instinct and minds he likes — much like the cast of Laapataa Ladies (2023). “I can’t act in more than one film a year, but I can produce more!” said Khan, signing off.