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I’m charmed by Shah Rukh

- Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan on being a marketing monster, feeling powerful, doing bench presses, ganging up with Salman on Shah Rukh, handling flops and more:
What was it about "Ghajini" that made you want to do it?
Aamir: I found the Tamil version to be extremely engaging and entertaining. It intrigued me but I made up my mind when I met the director, AR Murugadoss. Frankly, 1 was completely taken in by his infectious positive energy and childlike excitement.
Has "Ghajini" been physically the most demanding film for you?
Aamir: Every film has its own demands but yes, "Ghajini" was physically daunting because I had to train very hard. 1 had to keep at it and not lose patience. I had an athletic body but the director wanted me to bulk up with eight packs, which was a challenge because I didn't know if I could achieve it. So, in a way, "Ghajini” made me resilient.
Post 26/11, do you think the timing of its release was unfavourable, especially keeping in view its violent content?
Aamir: Personally, the attack is far greater and serious an issue for me than the release of my film. That said I was very clear that if the film is good, it'll work. The collections prove it.
Do the film's thumping collections make you feel powerful?
Aamir: Power doesn't figure in my hierarchy of needs. 1 won't use the word powerful; rather I'd say it makes me feel happy and blessed. When "Taare Zameen Par" reaches so many people and changes so many lives, I don't feel powerful but gratified.
When did you last feel powerful?
Aamir: (Thinks hard) I guess when I did my last set of bench press!
If "Taare Zameen Par” gets you an Oscar, maybe then you'd feel powerful?
Aamir: I'm not thinking of the Oscar. Right now. I'm focused on "Ghajini"
and "3 Idiots". If we make it to the final five nominations, which will be announced on January 22, then I'll think of the Oscar.
Shah Rukh and you have been taking digs at each other...
Aamir: We have high regard for each other. If you look at his interviews, you will see that Shah Rukh only talks about himself, makes digs at others and puts others down. He talks really big but he’s a charming guy. 1 have no hesitation in saying that I'm charmed by Shah Rukh. It’s just that media takes an extreme stand; it pits us as either enemies or as best friends. As for all our back-and-forth talks, it just shows that both of us have a good sense of humour.
In the 20 years that you've been here, has there been any shift in your guidingprincipleof making movies?
Aamir. Not at all. I've always done films I believe in. I've always had an emotional approach to my work. This is my life so I only want to do those films that I really want to be a part of. I've gone wrong quite a few times especially in the first six months of my
career after "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" when I signed every film offered to me. But they were all my decisions. I've learnt quickly from my failures.
What do you wan t your legacy to be?
Aamir: I'm very ambitious. I 'd like to do work of the level people haven't seen before. I want to raise the bar as an actor, producer and director. I'd like to do films that would live on much after I'm no longer there. Even if someone sees "Lagaan" 200 years later, he should say, "Who's that guy, yaar?"
Is there any role you haven't done and are dying to attempt?
Aamir: I really find "Mahabharata" fascinating. 1 would love to play Kama, who was tall and a born warrior. So, I don't think I fit the part physically but emotionally I do. I think the part I suit the best would be that of Krishna. When I was in KG. I had really chubby cheeks. Girls would find me cute and surround me. I also used to eat butter all the time so my mom would call me Krishna and the girls my 'gopis'.
Compiled by Cultural Correspondenl