Aamir Khan on completing 25 years in Bollywood
Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla - fresh faced and amateur in their blockbuster debut Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
Powerhouse performer, Aamir Khan who today (29 April 2013) completed 25 years in Bollywood, got candid and admitted in an interview that he never thought he would come this far in his professional career.
"I have had unsuccessful films, but I learned a lot from those films. I give my failures as much importance as my success," Aamir said at a press conference to celebrate his silver jubilee in the film industry.
Aamir was speaking at the press conference to celebrate 25 years of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, a genre defining, cult film which made stars of both Aamir and actress Juhi Chawla overnight in 1988.
Two-and-half decades ago, Aamir was not sure about how his career would shape up.
"When I was new, I didn't know where my career will go. Initially, my films were not even successful, but then I learned a lot from my mistakes," said the 48-year-old whose Love Love Love, Deewana Mujhsa Nahin, Mela, Mann and the like failed miserably at the box office.
"When my three-four films were not successful, I decided I won't sign a film for money, a big banner or a specific person. I decided I will listen to my heart. That is why I started doing less films. I have followed this till date," continued the actor.
The film industry was taken aback by Aamir's decision to do less films.
"The way I used to work was different from the industry's norms. People used to laugh at me and thought that I won't be able to stick for long," said Aamir who not only proved naysayers wrong, but also earned the tag of a "thinking actor".
Aamir gave the biggest hits of both his career, and the film industry as a whole at the turn of the century with films like 3 Idiots, Ghajini, Lagaan and Rang De Basanti.
Aamir-Karisma in Raja Hindustani
"I do what I feel is right. I am not scared to walk on the new path and take risk," he said.
"I never thought this would happen. I can't believe how I have reached here. I am happy that I have entertained people and made them happy," continued the actor.
Aamir also thanked the people he has worked with thus far and his fans too.
"I want to thank writers and directors and other people who have worked with me. They have all contributed to my journey...I also want to thank my audience, they gave me so much of love and respect," he said.
"I want to thank my family. Our field is tough and the family has to go through a lot," said Aamir, who is married to Kiran Rao, a filmmaker.
And his dream co-star?
"I always wanted to work with Dilip Kumar. He is one of the world's top actors and I have missed working with him," finished off Aamir.
The talented superstar will next be seen as a circus acrobat in Yash Raj Films' Dhoom: 3 which sees him with Katrina Kaif for the first time, and Rajkumar Hirani's Peekay with Anushka Sharma.