 | 
Aug 1, 1999
|
|
The passion in his voice didn't pocket them. Despite his pleading and cajoling, the starry-eyed young man was told by his folks to nix the idea of discontinuing his studies for acting.
He begged his uncle, director Nasir Husain, to allow him to work as his assistant. At the end of a huge row it was agreed that the youngster could assist his uncle but go to class as well. Young Aamir Khan's heart, though, was set on working in films. One fine day his dream appeared to come true when Ketan Mehta called to say he was looking for guys to act in his next movie Holi. Aamir's eyes popped up in excitement and then cringed in terror. He had just shaved his head, just for the kick! As he stared at the phone in disbelief, he felt like kicking himself.
The youngster gave it a try. He landed in Mehta's office clutching a photograph, this one with a mop of hair, and waited with a dozen-odd wannabes. The director was surprised to spot the bald one among the nervous bunch but his nod sent a tingle down the hopeful's spine.
Dream run: ( left) Salman Khan and Urmila Matondkar in Janam Samjha Karo; Shah Rukh lifts Kajol and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (above right); Aamir with Sonali Bendre in Sarfarosh (below right)
Many summers later it is Aamir Khan who coats fans with goosebumps with his histrionics. The boyish charm and verve are still there, but he no longer has to plead for a role. Today Bollywood is pleading for more from the man who limits himself to a couple of appearances every year. But if Aamir thinks he can take it easy, he'd better wake up. Because two other Khans, Shah Rukh and Salman, too are in the race for the top spot. And they are doing their act rather successfully.
The three Khans today rule the world's biggest film industry. Worth more than Rs 100 crore together and each getting between Rs 2 and 4 crore for a film, the threesome is the hottest mass of muscle in moviedom. Taran Adarsh, editor of the Bollywood Bible Trade Guide, says that a recent poll indicated that "all three were running neck and neck. It is a three-Khan army. They are the only actors who matter today."
Bollywood has had several star Khans over the years. From Yusuf Khan (thespian Dilip Kumar), Feroz Khan and Sanjay Khan to scriptwriter Salim Khan, choreographers Saroj and Farha Khan, humourist Kadar Khan and vamp Huma Khan, they have all made their presence felt on the silver screen at some time or the other. But no clique of Khans has dominated the industry as Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman have. They have given some of the biggest blockbusters in Hindi cinema in the past decade, from Shah Rukh's Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge ,Karan Arjun,Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Salman's Maine Pyar Kiya,Saajan,Karan Arjun,Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Aamir's Raja Hindustani and Dil. Aamir notched up another hit this year with Sarfarosh and Salman's Biwi No 1 and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam has been the top grossers of 1999.
No surprise then that these Khans are the most sought after. Not just by producers. Even the cola biggies are profiting from their superstardom, Pepsi roped in Shah Rukh to add fizz to its campaign, Aamir is Coke's heartthrob and Salman makes Thums Up taste the thunder. These Khans have been in business long enough to understand business as well: all three have launched their own production companies. Aamir Khan has teamed up with wife Reema to set up a company, Shah Rukh joined Juhi Chawla and Aziz Mirza to launch Dreamz Unlimited while Salman has started GS Entertainment with brother Sohail.
What makes these Khans the best in Bollywood today? Basically their ability to deliver hits consistently. After his small role in Holi, Aamir was given the proper launch by uncle Nasir in Qayamat. He has not looked back since. Unlike the other two, Aamir doesn't work with the big daddies of the industry like Subhash Ghai and Yash Chopra but prefers unknowns John Mathew and Vikram Bhatt. And he plans each film with great care. "I would like to do one film at a time," says the actor. "From next year I will be doing only one movie and only when it gets over will I shoot for another."
His commitment and finical perfection are legendary. The teetotaller once got sozzled just to understand the feeling he had to reproduce on the sets. Friend Avinash Gowarikar believes Aamir "carries his virtues too far... but he is honest about everything." According to John Mathew, who directed him in Sarfarosh, "Aamir is one of the best actors. He is never in a hurry and strives to be perfect." Indeed. One scene in Ghulam where he races in front of a fast moving train still rattles the unit: the actor escaped death by a few seconds.
Shah Rukh (left) has done some 28 films. A recent acquisition was a bungalow in Mumbai, equipped with a gym, pool and mini theatre, for a walloping Rs 12 crore.
The industry's biggest surprise, though, is Shah Rukh. The television actor from Delhi was known for serials Fauji and Circus when he landed in Mumbai after his mother's death. Trendsetting films such as Baazigar and Darr, in which he played negative roles, and blockbusters Dilwale and Kuch Kuch soon catapulted him to the top in tinsel town. His manic energy is his strength. "I am a popular film star but I am also beyond that," Shah Rukh says. "I work hard on my films and my popularity stems from that."
After 28-odd films, he adds, "I still await with bated breath before each release and feel happy when my films do well. I have not changed at all." Shah Rukh has a penchant for fast life and cars and enjoys partying with his attractive wife Gauri. "My love for my wife, my child and films borders on the pathological," he admits. He became the envy of the industry with his recent acquisition of a sea face heritage bungalow, equipped with a gym, pool and mini theatre, for a walloping Rs 12 crore.
Yet, no male star evokes the kind of hysteria Salman Khan does. The only bachelor among the reigning Khans was voted among the 10 best looking men in the world and is an instant hit with the teenagers. He is the highest paid actor today ( remuneration of 3.5 crore). His recent switch to comedy makes him a sophisticated version of Govinda but critics acknowledge that his performance in Sanjay Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam shows he is a superstar who can act. He has given the most hits among his contemporaries. His Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun ranks among the ten of the biggest hits of all time while Saajan was the biggest hit of 1991 and Karan Arjun is only next to HAHK, DDLJ and Raja Hindustani this decade.
"When he entered the industry a decade ago with Maine Pyar Kiya he got a lot of romantic roles," says father Salim Khan, an industry veteran. "But there was not much of variety. Now he has started getting mature roles through which he can prove his potential."
Salman's stint in the industry has been marked by controversies. "Salman is a great procrastinator because of which he creates tension for himself," says Salim. "He is only beginning to get a sense of professionalism and has started to go on time."
While the film glossies constantly speculate on his latest love, who've ranged from Sangeeta Bijlani and Somy Ali to Aishwarya Rai, the actor hit the headlines when he was arrested for shooting the endangered black buck in Rajasthan and for his drunken brawl with director Subhash Ghai.
Some who consider him arrogant are piqued when they hear the actor demands Rs 1 lakh for an interview, though he promises to give away the money to charity. His career graph took a dip after deserving back-to-back hits like Maine Pyar Kya,Sanam Bewafa,Baaghi and Kurbaan but recent hits such as Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Judwaa,Bandhan,Biwi No 1 and Hum Dil De Chuke has dispelled doubts that the beefcake is here to stay.
His forthcoming film Hum Saath Saath Hain along with Shah Rukh's Badshah and Aamir's 1947, to be released on Independence Day, will be keenly watched by fans and industry analysts. The top guns insist there is no unhealthy rivalry between them. "There is competition. I would like to be the most popular actor in the country," says Aamir. "But I don't indulge in unhealthy competition." Adds Shah Rukh: "They are my friends. And they are very good actors."
Interview/Aamir Khan
'I don't fear losing fame' Aamir Khan doesn't accept awards, is not seen at filmi functions and doesn't scream sex on film glossies, he shuns them. He doesn't have a muscular body or a superstar status but he is the only actor whose presence in a film guarantees a hit. He has four releases this year, Sarfarosh, Mann, 1947 and Mela.
I have not turned down a film because of money. If I feel the script is exceptionally good and the film cannot pay my fee because it's not strictly mainstream cinema, I reduce my fee. (Above, Aamir with Karishma Kapoor in Raja Hindustani)
Punctual, unpretentious and friendly, Aamir was dressed casually for a two-hour interview with The Week. He didn't even mind being photographed with his hair dishevelled. He talked passionately and earnestly, and walked to the parking lot at the dubbing studio to make calls from the watchman's cabin.
Excerpts from the interview:
How many films do you do a year?
In the last 11 years I have done 26 films. I shoot two films simultaneously. It takes too much of my time and energy. From next year I will be doing only one film at a time.
What is the real Aamir Khan like?
It is extremely difficult for a person to be honest when he is speaking about himself. I don't want to take a chance and lie about myself. I do have an impression about myself and I don't feel comfortable talking about it in public.
How do you feel before a release?
There is anxiety because you have put in hard work. I am doing very few films and so each one is important. In the last four years I have had one release each year. Fortunately all of them did well. If one didn't then the entire year would be unsuccessful for me.
What do you look for in a film before you sign?
First, the director. He should be someone I am confident in and excited about working with. The script should excite me, and the producer should be financially strong and capable of marketing the product.
Is there scope for sensible cinema?
Cinema is a medium for entertainment and that is its prime purpose. There are a lot of directors who make fresh films. Mansoor Khan made Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Now you have Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale.... There are a lot of other directors like Sooraj Barjatya, Dharmesh Darshan, Raj Santoshi, Vinod Chopra, Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar who have fresh ideas.
You are said to interfere in a director's work.
In my entire career I have never said no, I am not doing this. I can say that honestly. But they complained that Aamir is too interfering. The film press stuck on to that. It has been 10 years and they have perpetuated this lie.
After QSQT I waited for offers from directors whom I liked but none of them approached me. I was getting insecure. Some of the actors were doing 40 films. So I picked good scripts from directors who were fairly new. In the next six months I went through hell doing those first eight films. While I had one picture of the story in mind, the director and producer would have their own ideas, each different from the other. And when it was time to enact it I realised I was in the wrong hands. Even then I didn't interfere. When I was made to do something ridiculous I asked the director if it wasn't weird. As an actor, I have every right to ask. They felt threatened because they didn't have an answer.
After that I decided that I would sign films only with directors I believe in. I still ask questions.
Why have you stayed away from the film press?
I find their kind of journalism ridiculous. They think it is writing obnoxious things about people. They want to know what I do in my bedroom, what turns me on. I don't want to discuss my first sexual encounter. Every now and then they come out with who is successful. In the last five years I have not had a flop and I am grateful for that. But the film press has not reported that.
Is there competition among Shah Rukh, Salman and you?
Yes, I think there is competition. I would like to be the most popular, loved and respected actor in the country. I don't believe in unhealthy competition. And I don't think Shah Rukh and Salman either behave in any unhealthy way. I don't think the three of us share any ill feeling towards each other.
How do you feel when Salman's and Shah Rukh's films do well?
I saw Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Dilwale and I loved both. I think Shah Rukh did very well. I don't feel threatened by that. It is good work and deserves all the success it got.
You and Shah Rukh are going to be pitched together for the first time. Were you particular about your role?
Raj Kumar Santoshi, Shah Rukh and I have agreed to do a film together and Raj is in the process of writing the script. I am sure Raj would not like either of us to overshadow the other.
How important is money to you when you are signing a film?
So far I have not turned down a film because of money. If I feel the script is exceptionally good and the film cannot pay my fee because it is not strictly mainstream cinema, I reduce my fee, like I did for 1947.
Do you regret doing any of your films?
Many. It could be because of the people I have chosen to work with. But what I am today as an actor and person is because of certain experiences which have not been so pleasant.
Do you fear this fame will go away?
No, there is no fear because I am sure it is not forever. But I am sure I will miss it when it goes away.
A lot of film stars do live shows and dance at weddings. Do you do it?
I have done live shows in the US, the UK, Canada and South Africa. I plan to do them in India. These shows help me interact live with my fans. You get paid well also. I rehearse for three months before a show. I would not like to perform at weddings, before people I am not comfortable with.
Tell us about your family.
I have a son and a daughter. I love them like any normal father. I read to my son, I play with them.
I don't go to many functions and when I do my wife comes with me. It was her decision to stay away from public. She doesn't do interviews and photo sessions because she thinks that being Aamir Khan's wife does not make her part of the film world. But I have managed to pull her into my line. We are going to start a film production company and she is the executive producer. The pre-production began in January. Shooting will begin next January.
Sejal Shah |
| subscribe | query | chat | guest book | search-archive | home | to the editor |
Comments
Post a Comment