Aamir Khan on His Dream Project Mahabharata: Why He’s Scared of Getting It Wrong
Aamir Khan, one of India’s most celebrated actors, has had a whirlwind year. He’s been actively promoting Laapataa Ladies, a film directed by Kiran Rao, which has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards. Amidst the buzz, Aamir opened up in a candid conversation with the BBC about his ultimate dream project: creating a cinematic adaptation of the Mahabharata. However, the actor admitted he feels apprehensive about undertaking such a monumental venture.
The Dream of Bringing Mahabharata to Life
Aamir Khan’s dream project is to create a film based on the Indian epic Mahabharata, a tale that is deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual fabric of India. Speaking about his aspirations, he confessed, “It is so huge, and I am scared of getting it wrong. It’s a huge responsibility because, as Indians, it’s something so close to us; it’s in our blood. So I want to get it right.”
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The Mahabharata has been a source of inspiration for countless filmmakers, with adaptations ranging from television series to films. Several of these retellings have focused on individual characters, reinterpreting their struggles and virtues in contemporary contexts. For Aamir, however, the goal is much bigger. “I want to make every Indian proud. I also want to show the world what India has,” he said. “I don’t know if it will happen, but it’s something I want to work towards. So, let’s see.”
Fear of Missteps
Aamir’s reluctance to move forward with this project stems from the enormous weight of expectations tied to the Mahabharata. The epic’s significance in Indian culture makes it more than just a story; it is a spiritual and philosophical guide for millions. Any misstep in adapting such a revered work could lead to widespread disappointment or even criticism. For someone as meticulous as Aamir, who is known for his perfectionist approach, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Temporary Retreat from Films
In the same interview, Aamir revealed a lesser-known chapter of his life—a brief period when he decided to step away from films. “I told my family I’m done with acting and films. I [didn’t] want to produce or direct or act. I just wanted to be with the family,” he shared.
This decision coincided with the global lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, a time when the film industry was already slowing down. Consequently, Aamir’s hiatus went largely unnoticed. However, it was his children who encouraged him to return to the industry. “They were like, ‘But we can’t spend 24 hours with you. So get real and get a life.’ So they gently nudged me back into films,” he chuckled.
Plans for the Future
Now back in the industry, Aamir has ambitious plans. While he continues to act, his focus has shifted towards nurturing young talent and producing meaningful cinema. “I want to produce a lot of films and give opportunities to young talents,” he said. “I guess I’ll continue acting. I usually do one film in two to three years as an actor, but in the next decade or so, I’m hoping to do one film a year. And produce a lot more films with stories that I love.”
The Success of Laapataa Ladies
One of Aamir’s recent successes as a producer is Laapataa Ladies. The film, directed by Kiran Rao, stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan in lead roles. It won the prestigious Best Film (Critics’ Choice) award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and was also screened at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. Released theatrically in March this year, the movie garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. Internationally, the film has been released under the title Lost Ladies, further broadening its audience.
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Wrapping Up Sitaare Zameen Par
In addition to producing, Aamir has also wrapped up his much-anticipated project, Sitaare Zameen Par. This film is a sequel to the 2018 Spanish film Champions and stars Aamir alongside Darsheel Safary and Genelia Deshmukh. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film is currently in post-production and is scheduled for release in 2025. With this project, Aamir continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, balancing emotional depth with meaningful narratives.
A Vision for Indian Cinema
Aamir Khan’s journey as an actor and producer underscores his commitment to elevating Indian cinema. Whether it’s fostering new talent, producing award-winning films, or dreaming of adapting epics like the Mahabharata, Aamir’s vision is deeply rooted in creating stories that resonate both locally and globally. His dedication to excellence, combined with his fear of falling short, ensures that any project he undertakes will be a labor of love and precision.
As he contemplates bringing the Mahabharata to life, Aamir’s honesty about his fears and aspirations serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with creating art that matters. For now, fans can look forward to his upcoming projects and hope that one day, his dream of adapting the Mahabharata becomes a reality.