The final Fireside Chat of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), titled “The Narrative Architect of Social Transformation and Inclusivity,” came alive as acclaimed actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan addressed a packed audience at Kala Academy, captivating the crowd with his wit, reflections, and insights on cinema.
Moderated by film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the session began with a tribute to the legendary actor Dharmendra. Khan reflected on Dharmendra’s versatility, noting, “Though hailed as the He-Man of Indian cinema, he was brilliant in all genres, including romance, comedy, and drama. His mastery of language, dignity, and range made him an institution. His passing is a profound personal and artistic loss.”
Khan spoke at length about the formative experiences that shaped his passion for storytelling, recalling the tales his grandmother told him and the magic of radio dramas like Hawa Mahal. “I’ve always been drawn to stories. They were a big part of my childhood, and that fascination has guided every choice I’ve made as an actor,” he said.
Known for his instinct-driven approach to cinema, Khan emphasized that his choices have never been calculated to follow industry trends. “I can’t repeat myself. Once I’ve done a certain kind of film, I want to move on. I look for stories that feel fresh, unique, and creatively exciting,” he explained. He cited the example of Lagaan, which defied conventional wisdom but resonated with audiences worldwide.
On the purpose of cinema, Khan stressed the importance of audience engagement: “People don’t come to the cinema for a sociology lecture. They come to be engaged—through emotion, suspense, laughter, or drama. My primary responsibility is to entertain them.”
Khan also clarified the organic nature of socially resonant themes in his films. “It may seem intentional, but it wasn’t. Those stories came to me naturally. I gravitate toward scripts that move me. The writers of Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, Dangal, and Laapata Ladies laid the foundation—I simply connected with the material,” he said. “I am a complete film personality, not an activist. My primary objective is to entertain my audience.”
Looking ahead, Khan revealed a major shift in his professional focus. Once his current production projects—Lahore 1947, Happy Patel, among others—are completed, he plans to concentrate fully on acting. “From here on, any script I hear will be only for me as an actor. It’s the right time to dedicate myself fully to acting again,” he said, adding that he has been reviewing several exciting new scripts.
On the subject of directing, Khan shared his long-term vision: “Direction is actually my big love. I did direct once, but that was out of a crisis—so it doesn’t count as a planned move. The day I consciously decide to take up direction, I’ll probably stop acting because it will consume me completely. That’s why I’m delaying that decision for now.”
The session concluded with Aamir Khan’s candid reflections on his career, his creative instincts, and his commitment to storytelling, leaving the audience inspired and enthralled by his insights.