Aamir Khan at IFFI 2025
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Aamir Khan opened up about his approach to films during a fireside chat at the International Film Festival of India 2025 on Thursday, November 27, 2025. He was in conversation with film critic Bhardwaj Rangan in a session titled, “The Narrative Architect of Social Transformation and Inclusivity”.
The conversation began with the two paying tributes to legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away recently. Aamir said that he grew up watching Dharmendra. “Though hailed as the He-Man of Indian cinema, he was equally brilliant in all genres including, romance, comedy and drama; an actor of remarkable range and presence. He was a gentle giant and finest actor. His mastery of language, innate dignity and extraordinary range as an artist made him an institution in himself. His passing is a profound personal and artistic loss,” Aamir said.
The actor then spoke about his journey in the industry, talking about his childhood when he was captivated by the stories told by his grandmother. 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.
Aamir Khan and Bhardwaj Rangan in conversation at IFFI 2025
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Aamir also spoke about his approach to choosing films. “I choose films purely based on my emotional excitement for the story, even if it goes completely against the norm. Most of my decisions have been impractical by industry standards. When we made Lagaan, even Javed Saab advised us not to. By all logic, I shouldn’t have become a star — I broke every rule. But somehow, those unconventional choices connected with people and I’m deeply grateful,” he said.
He further credited the writers behind his landmark films. “Whether it’s Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, Dangal, or Laapataa Ladies, the foundation was laid by the writers. They created the worlds and the characters — I simply gravitated toward scripts that moved me.”
He added, “Many of my films address social issues, but that happened organically, not by design. I am a complete film personality, not an activist. My primary objective is to entertain my audience.”
The actor also spoke of his upcoming projects and said, “Once I complete the current slate of projects I’ve produced — Lahore 1947, Happy Patel, and a few others — the work on all of them will wrap in the next few months. After that, I’m shifting my focus entirely back to acting from production.”
Aamir Khan being felicitated by Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju
| Photo Credit:
Press Information Bureau
The chat concluded with Aamir talking about his love for directing films. “Direction is actually my big love. Filmmaking is what I enjoy the most. I did direct once, but that was more out of a crisis — so it doesn’t really count as a planned move. But 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,” he added.
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began in Goa on November 20, will conclude on Friday, November 28.
Published – November 28, 2025 01:01 pm IST
