Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who is in the news about his upcoming film Taare Zameen, spoke openly on his artistic choice, his ideas on filmmaking and the future of Indian cinema, especially for children, in a long and impeccable conversation with the media.
Direction vs. Acting: A thoughtful election was taken
Aamir, focusing on his present, said clearly, “I just want to act only. I have no attention on direction; all my energy is just focused on acting.” He expressed deep concern on the fact that he could be permanently away from the acting world by stepping into direction. He shared, “I think if I left acting and went to direction, I might not be able to return to the performance world.”
However, he accepted the exception to his stance. He revealed, “My first film that I directed, on the ground, she was not on my own wish.” He said, “The situation had become such that I had to direct the star on the ground. But even then my career has not started yet as a director. Maybe I can start it in two-three years.” This revelation gives a glimpse of the unexpected journey that forced him to handle the director’s chair for one of his most acclaimed films.
Art of storytelling: a subtle message with entertainment
When asked about his alleged inclination to make socially relevant films, Khan clarified his view. He insisted, “No, I do not deliberately plan to make films with social messages.” He said, “I like the films that have something meaningful. It is probably because I am the same myself; I always try to understand things.”
He emphasized the importance of entertainment by explaining his view in detail. He thought, “If a subtle message reaches the audience in a light way, it would be very good. Perhaps this would be the same to people by watching my films.” He further said, “But the truth is that my thinking is such that if someone has to understand any message or thing, then he will go to college to study sociology. It is the responsibility of that professor to explain social feelings and messages, not mine. I am an entertainer.”
Aamir underlined his original philosophy: “You have come to my film cinema hall by paying money. Whatever I do, I do for entertainment. You come, see the film, you like it, and if I give a social message lightly, I will love it. But my primary job is to give you entertainment.” This insight highlights his commitment to his craft, as well as accepts the possibility of deep impact.
Negligent Zone: Children’s films in India
Khan expressed deep concern over the lack of quality children’s films in India. He regretted, “There are very few films made for children in our country, and they are few.” He told that some of these notable films, such as Taare Zameen Par, Dangal, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, are his own. He expressed grief, “It is really unfortunate that such a large population is not being targeted on a large scale.”
He explained the reason for the alleged lack of commercial profitability within the film industry. He firmly said, “My personal opinion is that people in the film industry do not find making films for children a profitable enterprise. Manufacturers and directors feel that such films will not have any market, but I disagree.” He further said, “We are a country that has children, so why shouldn’t there be a market?
Aamir criticized the current trend of dependence on foreign content. He insisted, “The content we give to our children today is the content material that we dub in Hindi. But the real effect will come when we will make our own content related to the roots and ideology of our country for children.” He told the truth, “The truth is that we are not ready to make good content for children.”
Future dedicated to children’s stories
Looking forward, Aamir Khan revealed a significant change in the attention of his production house. He told, “Some time ago Aparna ji (CEO of Aamir Khan Productions) was sitting here. When she joined Aamir Khan Productions, I told her that you will see all the work of Aamir Khan Productions, you will see and my job will be that I should tell the stories related to children in the coming days, I will take care of their content. He confirmed, “Whatever will be made next, I am going to give a lot of time to children’s content.”
Promoting sympathy and positivity: material for next generation
Asked what kind of content should be shown to today’s children, Aamir emphasized the importance of establishing positive values. He admitted, “I certainly cannot say which content they would like to see.” But he strongly expressed confidence in this, “We have to explain sympathy and emotions to our future generations, these children who will build our country tomorrow.”
He expressed a clear view: “We have to make films that inspire him to move towards positive thinking. You have to believe that we have Rama and Ravana.” He said to Shakti, “I want to make films that will lead children more towards Ram so that they can become a better person.” This powerful statement outlines his commitment to shape a more kind and moral future through his cinematic efforts.
