Happy birthday, Aamir Khan! 5 super-cool decisions India's most Sarfarosh star took!
From refusing a wax statue to getting fully waxed, Aamir Khan has broken the mould every single time! We wish India's most Rangeela star a most happy birthday!
In a career spanning over three decades — which includes one Oscar nomination and several other awards at home and abroad — Aamir Khan has taken many decisions that surprised, shocked and awed us.
We are sure you will think of Taare Zameen Par, Satyamav Jayate, Rubaru Roshni et al. But there are more — lesser-known and intriguing!
When he refused a wax statue!
We know how Madame Tussauds wax museum has actually become an extension of Bollywood. Who’s not there?
Aamir Khan.
In 2009, he was reportedly approached for a wax statue. He politely turned down the invite, saying, “It’s not important to me... people will see my films if they want to. Also, I cannot deal with so many things. I have bandwidth only for that much.”
But he got his full body waxed!
Talking about Aamir’s physical transformations for a role, we would any day discuss Ghajini (2008) or, say, Dangal (2016).
But here’s a much lesser-known one. Baazi was not one of the most memorable films in Aamir Khan’s illustrious career — but he got his full body waxed to essay the role of a cabaret dancer! A jig that's still talked about today!
When he talked about Abhishek Bachchan
Taare Zameen Par was a cinematic milestone. Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the teacher Aamir Khan played in the movie, chose to talk about Abhishek Bachchan, the real actor. Abhishek Bachchan too had difficulties in reading like the little boy Darsheel in the movie. Aamir chose to use Abhishek Bachchan as an example to tell the world what dyslexia is. He sought permission from Amitabh Bachchan too. He could have not taken this extra step.
But then, Aamir Khan is like that only!
No to National Awards
When Aamir Khan didn’t send his Peepli Live (2010) for consideration of a National Award, the director of the movie was crestfallen. Aamir Khan announced that it was his policy decision. He didn’t like the idea of applying for an award.
“If anyone wants to honour a genuine effort, they can take the initiative in doing so. To me, the biggest achievement is getting a good response from the audience,” he said.
MeToo: Walking out of a movie
Aamir Khan is a strong, powerful voice in Bollywood which didn't waver in the face of the #MeToo movement. Stepping out of a project which was supposed to be directed by an accused in #MeToo, Aamir Khan and his production house issued an unambiguous statement. "We believe that this is an opportunity for the film industry to introspect and take concrete steps towards change. For far too long women have faced the brunt of sexual exploitation. It has to stop.”
Happy Birthday, Aamir Khan! Thank you for staying Sarfarosh — in all the best ways!