QSQT - we tried to make a new film, Talaash - we made a new film - Aamir Khan
- IndiaGlitz, [Saturday,November 24 2012]
In the second part of interaction with indiaglitz B-town perfectionist Aamir Khan opens up on his relationship with his directors, ÂTaalashÂ, ÂDhoom 3Â, being Âperfectionist and much more..
ÂQSQT, to ÂTalaash what changes in the approach and filmmaking have you noticed..?
I will complete 25 years as an actor. During this time, I have seen one major change that at one time producers and directors used to experiment less now that is not there. Different types of films are being made. I tried to make new films and now new films are being made.I want to believe that when QSQT came, it was different for that time. In fact no one wanted to release that film. No one wanted to take it. i feel that at that time action was the trend so films like Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi,Aandaaz Apna Apna, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander were very different films. Andaz Apna Apna didn't even become successful at that time.
After a decade you are working with Farhan and Ritesh. ItÂs a reunion with ÂTalaashÂ.?
I don't look at films and projects in this manner...should i repeat with him?...each project is unique in its self. I have repeated directors; I have done three films with Mansoor Khan and three films with Indra Kumar. I am repeating Raju Hirani again, rather he is repeating me. So itÂs on each individual project. I am happy to work with Ritesh and Farhan again. I am working with him after 10 years. Even the first time was a wonderful experiences and even this time has been great. We share a certain love for filmmaking and cinema so i enjoy working with him.
How you take the tag of being a perfectionist?
I don't think i am a perfectionist, i don't think anyone can be. I enjoy my work and therefore i work with a lot of love and care and don't leave any stone unturned to achieve the potential of the film. But i don't think anything can be perfect. Especially in the creative field, i don't think anything can be perfect. It is all about what the vision of the director is and what happens organically in that moment. In another moment, so there is nothing as being a perfectionist.
Was there any creative difference with Reema during the making as you are always in news with creative differences with directors?
ItÂs been wonderful working with Reema. She is a surefooted director. She is in control of the material and confident about what she wants. She is very clear about how she will get it. She doesn't compromise, she gets what she wants. Also because she is the writer, so she is very familiar with the material and understands and grasps it. I found her to be someone who i could have confidence in. I felt comfortable and safe in her hands. At a number of places, she was able to point out layers in my character and scenes which i had not thought about. I was quite amazed by her perceptiveness and understanding of the moment.I trust my directors. When a director is working, everyone gives opinions. When i was working on Taare Zameen Par, everyone gave me suggestions. This didn't make me less of a director. ItÂs up to me to take them or no. So even when i am working with a director, I am trying to add that had vision. We are all trying to follow that vision. But Reema will decide whether to accept or not.
There are reports of interference?
As far as Reema is concerned, these rumours are not true. Lots of times they are untrue. Like with Lagaan also there was something about me not being happy with the film and re shooting the second half. If I go around explaining every rumor i will have to stop working. I have to let go and decide that ultimately the film will speak for itself. There is no end to it. I did have creative differences with Amol and that resulted in us parting ways. He was earlier directing the film and then later he was not.
How you will define Talaash as a film?
ItÂs a suspense drama. The pace is not of a thriller. There are many layers in the film. Every film is a learning experience for me. I and you are affected by the story and you spend some time in making it, it does affect you.
There is a universal appeal of darker tones in Talaash?
These things don't drive my decisions. I am aware of these things, but what drives me is something else. When i hear the story and it moves me, i will do it. I just know that here is a story i loved and makes me want to be a part of it....i am aware that my films have done well, Gajini was the first one to break the 100 crore barrier and 3 idiots is the biggest grosser of all times (300 crores). But this is not because of me, i might have helped the film get the opening, But 3 idiots has done well because of Raju Hirani.
In the push and pull between art called cinema and box office results how do you maintain the balance.?
Film making is tough. So whether you have the balance or not, the toll is taken on you in any case. I am fortunate that for the last so many years my films have been doing well and people like it. I am grateful for that. I am happy that the right kind of projects has come my way. I have got to work with some really talented writers and directors on these projects as a result of which these films have turned out the way they have. Filmmaking is a team effort. The director and writer play important parts but along with that there is the cameraman, the sound engineer, the song composer, lyric writer, actors...so when a film does well, it is the result of this team doing good work. So when a film does well, it is a result of the hard work of a team of people. So the balance is not in my hands.
When we are going to see you directing a movie again?
I have a story which i have chosen which i hope i will direct. but i have so much responsibility at the moment as an actor, plus i have Satyamev Jayate season 2.But i don't want to say anything about that.
Mahabharat is said to be your favourite subject. Are you going to make film on it?
It is a desire. The project is huge. ItÂs a dream project for me. But if i decide today that i am making it, i will have to give 20 years to it. This is why i am scared, if i say yes and decide to make it, 5 years will go only in research and then to execute it....the material is very exciting for me.
Do you consult Kiran for your films?
No i don't. I like to share with her sometimes. When i am not sure i like to ask her. I like to keep it as a surprise. This she and i both consciously do. So when she watches the first cut, she is a fresh audience, she doesn't know about the script.She doesn't know what to expect. Sometime I ask her to sit in on a narration.
Tell us about Dhoom 3?
We have not officially released any material on Dhoom 3. Fans take different pictures and mix and match and put it as Dhoom 3, so don't go by that. There is bowler hat that i wear; hair is like it is now. When you see the film you will see the look, itÂs tough to explain.
How you see the scenario of villains in Bollywood?
i have been training for a year and a half for dhoom 3. I am playing a gymnast so i require a low body fat percentag