Actor and producer Aamir Khan, widely celebrated as Bollywood’s “perfectionist,” recently opened up about his unlikely rise to superstardom during a session at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Known for his meticulous involvement in every stage of filmmaking and a career spanning over three decades, Aamir reflected on his journey with characteristic humility and candour.
Speaking at the festival, the Sitaare Zameen Par actor admitted that he often wonders how he became a star at all. Citing a report by PTI, Aamir said, “I don’t know how I became a star. By all logic, I should not have been a star. I broke all the rules and I made everything impractical.” He added that his choices were rarely driven by commercial considerations. “Practically speaking, none of the steps I took were from the point of view of achieving success. I feel grateful that I received so much respect and success.”
Aamir elaborated on how many of his biggest films were gambles at the time of their release. “Almost every film I used to pick, I used to be like, ‘I don’t know whether this is going to work,’” he said. He cited Sarfarosh and Lagaan as prime examples both now considered classics but uncertain bets before release. “When we were releasing the film, we had no idea if people are going to like it or not,” he noted. He further added that Dil Chahta Hai felt “very unusual” for its time, while his latest film Sitaare Zameen Par followed the same instinct-driven approach.
For Aamir, the driving force behind his choices has always been personal excitement rather than formulas. “I don’t want to do the same thing again and again. It’s just out of how I am as a personality that I have picked different scripts. And I have always gone with what excites me, personally,” he said.
Aamir’s most recent release, Sitaare Zameen Par, marks a spiritual sequel to his beloved 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. Also starring Genelia D’Souza, the film hit theatres on June 20 and continues Aamir’s legacy of storytelling rooted in emotion, experimentation, and human connection.
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As the actor reflected on his unconventional path, his remarks reaffirmed why he remains one of Indian cinema’s most respected and versatile figures one whose success is built not on formula but on fearless authenticity.
