Aamir Khan ‘not interested in politics’
Actor, who is celebrating the success of his latest film, says he wants to serve society on his own way
One of Bollywood’s favourite Khans, Aamir, claims to earn the least compared to others, and says he “cannot compromise” with his emotions as “money cannot buy me”.
“Till today, I have not worked for money and that is one of my biggest strengths,” says Khan, who is currently on a roller-coaster thanks to the success of his latest release Dhoom 3.
He has experimented with films, roles and genres in his more than 25-year career — from loverboy to teacher to villager and now a villain — he has done it all. But it’s vital for him to connect emotionally with a project before he gives it the thumbs up, he says.
“It’s not that I don’t need money. All of us need money and, according to me, I earn the least amount of money. I earn the least compared to others and yet I am very happy because I do what my heart says,” he says. “I never work for money. Give me Rs100 crore [Rs1 billion; Dh58.9 million] for a film and if I don’t like it, I will not do it. I cannot compromise with my emotions, and money cannot buy me.”
The 48-year-old made his debut with the 1988 romance drama Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. He cemented his spot in the industry with projects such as Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Raja Hindustani and Sarfarosh. The year 2001 turned out to be a turning point for Khan, who featured in two landmark films: Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai, and proved his versatility.
He followed it up with Rang De Basanti, Fanaa, Ghajini, 3 Idiots and the critically acclaimed Dhobi Ghat. He even acted in and directed the commercially and critically lauded 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, which dealt with dyslexia.
It’s no wonder then, that this Khan has come to be known to make films with a no-nonsense quality.
“It is difficult for me to go out of my sensibilities and work. I can do different kinds of genres, but if my sensibility doesn’t match, I will not do it. If it disturbs my values, I can’t do that film,” he says.
“If I had a value judgment on Delhi Belly, I would not have produced it. It’s an adult comedy, it has use of abusive language, but I feel that even that is a colour of life which I would like to enjoy.
“So, we applied for an ‘A’ certificate and I went out of my way to tell people that it’s an adult film and that if you have any objection, don’t come,” he adds.
Khan, a father of three, has also used his fame to be a socially aware and conscious citizen. His TV show Satyamev Jayate, which had a hugely successful first season run, tackled social issues and encouraged public debate on issues such as female foeticide, child sexual abuse and dowry. The second season of the show is due to start soon.
But politics, he says, is not his cup of tea.
“I am not interested in politics. I feel whatever my strengths are, I want to make use of them. Why does a person join politics? Because they want to serve society. I feel wherever I am today, I can serve society in a better way,” he says. “I don’t have to join politics for that. I am doing Satyamev Jayate, which is only about that. I am contributing a lot from here.”
