My family has always been incredibly supportive – Aamir Khan

Actor Aamir Khan, who is currently in the spotlight for his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, has set an inspiring example of living life with a fresh perspective even at the age of 60. In a recent interview, he spoke about his experience working with the cast of Sitaare Zameen Par, how he chooses scripts, his relationship with Gauri Spratt, his family, and several other topics. Here's what he had to say.

• Your upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par is based on the true stories of four individuals with Down Syndrome, and you’ve cast them instead of professional actors. How challenging was that?

I’ve been in the industry for 30–35 years and have worked in about 45 films. I’ve often seen arguments, creative clashes, even ego issues on sets. But during this film, none of that happened. When these ten neurodivergent individuals arrived, they brought so much love and excitement for the work that everything became smooth and easy. Like professional actors, they also memorized their lines.

• You played an assistant teacher in Taare Zameen Par, and now you're portraying a coach with a completely different temperament in Sitaare Zameen Par. How did you manage that transition, given audience expectations?

This film is like a second part to Taare Zameen Par, moving the story forward. In Taare, the teacher helps one child; here, it’s ten neurodivergent characters helping the coach. Taare was a child’s journey to improvement, and this one is the coach’s journey.

• How much did you enjoy playing this character?

I had a great time! I normally don’t get a chance to be rude. I rarely act impolite—but in this film, I had to be. I’m saying harsh things to everyone in it, that was fun.

• You’ve mentioned that you often take audience feedback. When you showed the rough cut to your close circle, what was their first reaction?

I regularly hold test screenings, inviting the audience—not just the team—because the creators are different from the viewers. People are loving the film and these ten amazing characters/actors. Initially, nobody knew they were neurodivergent, and when they discovered it, the response got even better. The message reached the audience very well.

• Every actor has their own process. What’s yours?

My method is simple. When I read or hear a script, I imagine myself as the audience. If I feel it emotionally, I choose the film. What I enjoy as an audience is what I want to perform as an actor. I look for good stories with creative points of view—not just social messages. My duty is to entertain, but if I can also deliver a social message, I’m happy.

• On your 60th birthday, you publicly acknowledged your love for Gauri Spratt for the third time. Why was being so open and transparent so important to you?

I don’t like hiding love. If I’m holding someone’s hand and not acknowledging it, I’m not giving them public respect. That’s not right. There's no difference in respect between me and my partner. If I avoid talking about her, I’ll hurt her. I avoid hurting anyone’s feelings—my mother taught me that.

• By falling in love at 60, you challenged the notion that love has an age limit. What place does Gauri Spratt hold in your life? How does she complete you?

The heart remains young (smiles). Gauri is calm and well-mannered. She lives in balance, whereas I’m completely the opposite—working 36 hours at a stretch, then sleeping for the same duration, lost in my thoughts. We are polar opposites, but that’s ‘opposites attract.’ She brings stability, calm, and peace into my life, and I bring excitement into hers.

• There’s a debate in the industry about an 8-hour work shift. Some support it; others say it’s impossible in creative fields like filmmaking. Your thoughts?

Ideally, everyone should work 8 hours—whether you’re neurodivergent or not. Sleep 8, work 8, and 8 hours for everything else—that’s balance. But today, society rushes, and those 8 hours stretch to 10 or 12. I used to work 16 hours a day, but in the past 3–4 years, I've been trying to change. Now I aim for 8 hours of work, 8 hours of sleep, and 8 hours with family. It’s brought a big change in me.

Family as Strength During Failure

• How has your family been a source of support and inspiration in your life and career? Any specific moment you remember?

My family has always been incredibly supportive. When Laal Singh Chaddha came out, and 75% of people rejected it, that rejection hit me hard—like Superman losing his powers and feeling pain for the first time. After 18 years, I faced failure again and fell into deep depression. But then, Kiran and Azad would come sit with me, Ira and Popeye (my son-in-law) would visit, my mother and sister Nikhat would stay with me. The love from my family at that low point… I’d never experienced that before. I thought, ‘If I had known failure would bring such love, I’d have produced more flop films!’ (laughs) It was their love that helped me to stand up in 2–4 weeks and reflect on my mistakes.

• What Will Audiences Take away from Sitaare Zameen Par?

I want the film to be seen as entertainment, not preachy. Whatever you think after watching it—that’s the message for me. It’s a family film. You’ll be entertained, and if there’s a message along with it, that’s a bonus!

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