Aamir Khan is one of the most influential and respected figures in Indian cinema. Known for his selective filmography, transformative roles, and perfectionist reputation, Khan’s journey through Bollywood has been both unique and inspiring. From his groundbreaking performances to his personal life, here is everything we know about Aamir Khan.
Aamir Khan’s Best Performances That Redefined Bollywood
Aamir Khan made his acting debut as a child in Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) but officially started his career as a lead with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). The film was a massive hit and made him a national heartthrob.
Over the years, Khan chose roles that pushed the boundaries of mainstream Hindi cinema:
- Lagaan (2001): A period sports drama where Khan played Bhuvan, a villager leading a rebellion against British colonialists through cricket. *Lagaan* was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
- Dil Chahta Hai (2001): Khan portrayed Akash, a modern, carefree young man, marking a shift towards urban storytelling in Bollywood.
- Rang De Basanti (2006): His role as DJ, a carefree college student who transforms into a revolutionary, resonated deeply with Indian youth.
- Taare Zameen Par (2007): Apart from acting as the compassionate art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh, Khan also made his directorial debut, shedding light on dyslexia in children.
- Ghajini (2008): Khan bulked up for the role of Sanjay Singhania, a man suffering from short-term memory loss, setting a new benchmark for physical transformations in Bollywood.
- 3 Idiots (2009): As Rancho, he challenged India’s education system, combining humor with a powerful message. The film became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films ever.
- PK (2014): Playing an alien questioning religious practices, Khan delivered a performance that sparked nationwide discussions.
- Dangal (2016): In this biographical sports drama, Khan portrayed Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler training his daughters for the Olympics. His physical transformation into both young and aging Phogat was widely praised.
Aamir Khan’s performances are marked by his ability to completely immerse himself into diverse characters, often undergoing major physical and emotional transformations.
Aamir Khan’s Perfectionist Habits That Set Him Apart
Aamir Khan’s perfectionist approach is legendary in Bollywood. He is known to devote years to a single project, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed.
- Script Selection: Khan reads multiple scripts carefully and often works with the writers to shape the narrative before committing.
- Physical Transformations: For Dangal, he gained and lost around 25 kilograms to portray different stages of Mahavir Singh Phogat’s life realistically.
- Workshops and Rehearsals: He often organizes intensive workshops with cast and crew before shooting starts. For Lagaan, he conducted a month-long cricket training camp.
- Language and Diction: Aamir spends months perfecting accents and dialects. For Dangal, he learned Haryanvi, and for PK, he developed a unique Bhojpuri-influenced tone.
- Marketing Innovations: Khan pioneered unique marketing strategies. For Ghajini, he got barbers across India to offer the movie’s iconic haircut to customers.
His reputation as Mr. Perfectionist has set new standards for professionalism in the Indian film industry.
Aamir Khan’s Marriages: Reena Dutta, Kiran Rao, and Current Relationships
Aamir Khan’s personal life has been as much in the public eye as his films. He has had two marriages:
- Reena Dutta (1986–2002): Aamir married Reena Dutta in 1986 after a long courtship. Reena was briefly seen in a song in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and also helped manage Aamir’s career early on. They have two children, Junaid and Ira. The couple divorced amicably in 2002, and they have continued to co-parent their children.
- Kiran Rao (2005–2021): Aamir met Kiran Rao on the sets of Lagaan, where she was an assistant director. They married in 2005. The couple welcomed a son, Azad Rao Khan, via surrogacy in 2011. In July 2021, they announced their separation, stating they would continue to be co-parents and collaborators, especially through their work with the Paani Foundation.
After his divorce from Kiran Rao, Aamir Khan was briefly rumored to be dating but has largely kept his personal life private and away from media speculation.
Aamir Khan’s Break from Acting and Future Plans
In 2022, after the release of Laal Singh Chaddha, Khan announced that he would be taking a break from acting to focus on his family and production work. He mentioned wanting to spend more time with his children and rejuvenate before taking on new roles.
He continues to produce films through his company Aamir Khan Productions, known for backing thoughtful, socially relevant cinema. As of 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting updates about his next big project, though he remains tight-lipped about upcoming acting ventures.
Aamir Khan’s Contributions Beyond Acting
Aamir Khan has been deeply involved in various social initiatives:
- Satyamev Jayate: His television show addressed major social issues like female infanticide, honor killings, and medical malpractice, sparking nationwide discussions.
- Paani Foundation: Along with Kiran Rao, Khan founded this NGO to fight drought in Maharashtra through watershed management and sustainable farming practices.
- UNICEF Ambassador: Aamir Khan has worked with UNICEF to promote child nutrition and has consistently supported causes related to child welfare and education.
His impact stretches beyond cinema, influencing public discourse on important national issues.
Final Thoughts on Aamir Khan’s Unique Bollywood Legacy
Aamir Khan’s career is not just about delivering hits but about redefining Indian cinema with every project. His meticulous preparation, commitment to meaningful storytelling, and willingness to break away from formulaic films have earned him a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. From his timeless performances to his influential activism and personal evolution, Aamir Khan remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic and respected figures.
