That was then, till a week ago.
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na released on July 4, and the film and its hero won hearts and minds, just like his mama did, 20 years ago.
Aamir Khan gets talking gain, but this time keeps the focus on himself, with Imran occasionally pitching in his thoughts too.
Excerpts:
With name, fame and all the success by your side, how do you manage to stay grounded and so real?
Aamir Khan: Blame it to my upbringing (laughs). We have grown up with films being made around us... but we were more or less kept away. Even when we grew up, we used to beg to our parents so that we could watch any film. I still remember we were not allowed to watch Bobby because it was a love story. We grew up in a very non-filmy background.
With a director's vision, tell us what according to you is the USP (unique selling proposition) of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (JTYJN)?
Aamir: For me the USP of any film is its script. I won't go ahead till the time any script appeals to me. I liked the script of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. I saw potential in Abbas Tyrewala as a director. These are the reasons I took up this film as a challenge.
The journey from scripting to get the film reach its final stage is very difficult. I was involved in the preparations with the director and the writer right from the beginning and finalised the script.
I was not present for the shooting of Jaane Tu... for even a single day. But I saw the final cut and sat with the entire creative team and decided on the final take of the film.
In the last 2-4 years Aamir Khan is seen more often on television and even talking to the press frequently... What is the reason?
Aamir: Actually I have always been talking to the media. In between there were just two years when I went into hiding and did not interact with the media.
The reason was that I did not know how to deal with the press people. And the way I faced the brunt of the media... I did not understand as to where I was going wrong. Why was I being thrashed left, right and centre?
But I guess the reason for this was that there were so many newspapers and channels competing against each other and their style of reporting was very sensational.
Then there was another allegation from the media that I don't talk to them until and unless my film is about to release. That's the reason I did not give a single interview before Fanaa and Rang De Basanti.
I was not trying to prove any point. In fact, I am not happy doing it. I think the media is the link between the celebrity and the audience.
Your recent comments on Shah Rukh Khan on your blog didn't go down too well with his fans. Why did you make them?
Aamir: It was just a joke. I share a good rapport with SRK, to an extent that we can always crack jokes about each other. I think both of us have a good sense of humour and a good relationship. I have the highest regards for him. So you think you said nothing offending.
You have never been a part of the rat race but couldn't stop commenting that SRK is no. 2 and you are the numero uno...
Aamir: That was also said in jest. I think numbering each other is all up there in people's heads. It is most important what work you are doing and it also depends on the kind of relation you share with your audience. And in that way, both of us are very happy with the kind of success we have.
Aamir, your inspirations?
Dilip Kumar, Roger Federer (tennis player) and books.
What is your acting mantra?
Aamir: Actually I am not a trained. I follow my instinct and common sense. When I read a script I try and understand the character and the flow of the script.
Any tips to the budding actors?
Aamir: There are no rules so don't get bound by any. Belief is very important. My ideal state to give a shot is when I am in semi-conscious mode... lost enough to be in the moment.
You have been sitting quiet all along, Imran. How do you feel that the entire India is going crazy about you?
Imran: It feels strange. I get a little unsettled by all this.
Aamir: At the beginning of my career, even I used to feel very strange.
So Imran, are you tense?
Imran: I am numb.
Aamir: I was also numb prior to my first release. I used to feel awkward before signing an autograph. An embarrassed feeling, perhaps.
Are you on your way to become the next Aamir Khan?
Imran: I am not as painful as Aamir (laughs).
What do you think of Imran as an actor?
Aamir: I think he has a lot of potential. The camera loves him. He has a lot of honesty and sincerity towards what he is doing. He stays within the character.
His negative is that he is still raw. But I was even more raw when I began my journey. If you see the film you will notice that all the performances are very fluid. The timing is right. And a lot of credit for all this goes to Abbas Tyrewala (the director).
You can't speak in Hindi we guess, Imran...
Imran: Oh, just a little bit as I grew up in South India. A few years back, I didn't know Hindi at all but I am learning.
Whenever a new actor is launched there is a lot of responsibility. And here it is the question of your own blood...
Aamir: No it isn't. I don't make films to launch people. As a producer, my responsibility is my audience and to get a good script. I didn't make Jaane Tu to launch Imran. I came much later in this entire episode.
Abbas and Imran had already met by then and someone else was supposed to produce the film. I liked the script and had confidence in Abbas and his casting. I saw the test of all the other actors. If I had felt that Imran wasn't suited for the film, I wouldn't have cast him. But I would have still made Jaane Tu without Imran.
Imran: Even I respected that. I didn't want it otherwise.
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