My favorite Indian icon is the actor Aamir Khan. I have always been a fan of his ever since I saw his first movie, ‘Qayamat se Qayamat Tak’. From being a chocolate hero Aamir went on to do more meaningful roles. What I like most about him is that he is a thinking actor.
His passion for movies is very evident. It is said that he involves himself in the film to the point that he ghost- directs it. His recent movie ‘Taare Zameen Par’ was initially directed by someone else but later Aamir took over. It turned out for the best, for the movie is one of the most touching and relevant films that I have ever seen. Even the BJP leader Advani admitted to have been moved to tears on seeing it.
One movie of Aamir that made a big impact on me was ‘Ghulam’. It tells the story of how a happy-go-lucky vagabond is compelled to give up his irresponsible ways and fight against a bad guy who terrorizes the community. It was a commercial movie alright but the message was powerful and very relevant to our society. It revealed the power of unity against tyranny and the need to recognize that the failure to react against evil is also evil in itself.
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This was why Hitler could get away with his excesses. Aamir is not only a versatile actor, but he is also a producer of 3 hit films and a director with a vision. He is a descendant of the Muslim scholar and politician, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and a descendant of former President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain. He is related to former Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, Dr Najma Heptullah.
Many of Aamir’s films, after he established himself in his career, have been movies with a message rather than mindless entertainment. They include movies like ‘Sarfarosh’, ‘Earth’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘Fanaa’, ‘Rang de Basanti’, etc. Though ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was about love and friendship it was a very realistic film with believable characters. These films reveal his desire to be associated with good movies and intelligent filmmakers.
Aamir’s current policy is to act in just one or two films a year, unlike many other top Hindi actors. He got his first Film fare Best Actor Award for ‘Raja Hindustani’, after seven previous nominations. He never attends award functions and he has openly said that Indian awards lack credibility.
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In 2001, he acted in ‘Lagaan’. The film was a hit and received a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards. It won high praise at several international film festivals and received many Indian awards, including the National Film Awards. Khan himself won his second Film fare Best Actor Award.
Aamir’s role in ‘Rang de Basanti’ won him a Film fare Critics Award for Best Performance and various nominations for Best actor. The film was selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars. It also received a nomination for Best Foreign Film at the BAFTA Awards in England. ‘Taare Zameen Par’ marked his directorial debut. It starred the actor in a supporting role as a teacher who helps a dyslexic child.
‘Taare Zameen Par’ won the 2008 Film fare best Movie Award as well as a number of other awards. The film established him as a competent filmmaker. To me, Aamir Khan is the living embodiment of the idea that if you are passionate about what you do, you can become the best at it. This is why he is my favorite Indian icon.