As the Indian film industry’s megastar, Aamir Khan, gears up to celebrate his 60th birthday on March 14, he recently made an appearance at the India Today Conclave 2025. During the session, “Celebrating Career and Cinema,” Aamir delved into various aspects of his life, career, films, and even shared his thoughts on the current state of the nation. One of the most intriguing discussions was when he was asked about the prevalence of “hyper nationalism” in the country. Aamir’s response was characteristically candid, as he humbly admitted, “I don’t know; I’m lost in my own cinematic world, so I wouldn’t be able to comment on that. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”
The conversation took a lighthearted turn when Aamir spoke about the challenges of making comedy films, specifically referencing his experience with “Delhi Belly.” He confessed, “As an actor, comedy is incredibly tough, but I thoroughly enjoy both acting in and producing comedies. The script of ‘Delhi Belly’ really impressed me, and we were clear that it was an adult-rated film. If someone felt uncomfortable with it, we advised them not to watch it. I have a large family audience, and I didn’t want to offend them, so we made sure to inform everyone about the nature of the film beforehand.”
On the topic of his impending 60th birthday, Aamir seemed quite nonchalant, saying, “I don’t feel like I’m 60; in my mind, I’m still 18. It’s only when I look in the mirror that I’m reminded I’m not 18 anymore.” Reflecting on his career, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with exceptional directors, producers, and colleagues, describing his journey as “enriching.” Aamir also touched upon his romantic side, mentioning his belief in pure love and his fondness for romantic films like “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak,” “Dil Chahta Hai,” and “Fana.” He admitted, “I’m a romantic at heart; I believe in true love and think it still exists in the world.”
Aamir’s personal life has always been under scrutiny, and he addressed his relationships with his ex-wives, Reena Dutt and Kiran Rao. He shared, “Reena is an important person in my life, and I’m fortunate to have her and Kiran as part of my journey. Although we’re divorced, it doesn’t mean we don’t respect each other. I hold them in high regard, and I’m grateful for the positive relationships I have with their families as well.”
The conversation also delved into Aamir’s experiences with various film projects, including the making of “Andaz Apna Apna” and “Lagaan.” He reminisced about the challenges faced during the production of “Andaz Apna Apna,” saying, “It was a lovely film, but the timing was off. Raveena and Karisma wouldn’t shoot together, and I thought, ‘How will we make this movie?’ Despite our best efforts, it didn’t do well at the box office, but I believe it’s a number one film in terms of home entertainment.”
Aamir also shared anecdotes about the making of “Lagaan,” a film that was initially met with skepticism. He recalled Javed Akhtar’s concerns, saying, “He told me, ‘What are you doing? This film won’t run for a day. You’re making a sports film about cricket, and people won’t understand it.'” Aamir confessed that he was nervous but ultimately decided to take the risk. The film’s journey was long and arduous, but it eventually gained international recognition, even winning the Best Audience Film Award at the Locarno Film Festival.
As Aamir looks back on his six-decade-long journey, it’s clear that he’s still passionate about storytelling and committed to taking risks in his craft. With a career spanning numerous iconic films and a personal life that’s been subject to intense media scrutiny, Aamir Khan remains an enigmatic figure, and his thoughts on the current state of the nation, his films, and his personal life continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of filmmakers.