Aamir Khan gives the nod for his nephew Imran Khan to follow in his footsteps and enter the glitzy world of movie stardom
Aamir Khan arrived on the scene with 1988’s blockbuster Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak that was produced by his uncle, Nasir Hussain and directed by his cousin, Mansoor Khan.
Two decades later Aamir is returning a similar favour by producing the debut vehicle of his nephew, Imran Khan in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (JTYJN).
Besides producing JTYJN, Aamir is busy wrapping up his much-anticipated Ghajini after recovering from an injury. Aamir speaks to tabloid! in an exclusive interview regarding JTYJN, Imran and Ghajini.
Did you agree to produce Abbas Tyrewala’s film primarily because it was to launch your nephew, Imran Khan?
To be honest I am very particular about my name being associated with any project. I agreed to produce the film simply because I was convinced with director Abbas Tyrewala's script and I wanted Abbas to make the film just the way he narrated to me.
First and foremost, I didn't know Imran wanted to act because I always thought he wanted to direct films because he did a course on it in New York. He met Abbas on his own and they both worked out things together.
I came into the picture only when Jhamu Sughand, who was supposed to produce the film, backed out. So it was Imran's own decision and actually he has bagged this film on his own.
How does it feel to launch Imran after being launched 20 years back by your uncle?
Well this film wasn't technically meant to launch Imran, but I am happy to produce his debut film. Producing JTYJN got me nostalgic and brought back the emotional memories of my uncle making Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.
I think life has come full circle and it feels good to see Imran make his debut as we are a close-knit family who back each member of our family to the fullest.
What are your honest views on Imran's acting abilities?
I think he has tremendous potential as an actor and will only improve over the years. I feel the camera loves him because he appears vigorous and appealing onscreen. He has a style of his own.
What do you have to say about Imran resembling you and reminding the audience of your younger version?
I can't tell because I am not able to judge the similarities between me and Imran. I am aware of people discussing how Imran is identical to me physically though he is taller than me.
Did you ever monitor Abbas's directorial abilities on the sets?
To be honest I never visited the sets except for one time when I accidentally landed up on the sets. Actually once I was convinced by Abbas's script, I had asked him to shoot a couple of sequences for me and once I saw what Abbas shot, I knew the film was in his safe hands.
I knew that if Abbas required some advice, Mansoor was always there on the sets to guide him. I am quite happy with Abbas's direction because he has done a great job translating his script to celluloid in a commendable manner.
We heard that you have taken up smoking once again to beat the stress in your life. Is it true?
It is true that I am back to smoking and I am really not happy about it. But I have been going through stressful period, first wrapping up JTYJN's production and releasing the film. Due to my injury, Ghajini got delayed and I have been non-stop shooting for more than 12-15 hours a day.
It is because of this stress I took up smoking again, but I am sure to kick this habit soon and should be able to quit because it is definitely not a good habit.
What is the status on your film Ghajini?
We are fast wrapping up the film's entire shooting and the film has shaped up very well. We hope to release the film by November but nothing has confirmed so far.
I am sure once it is out the audience will find Ghajini to be an entertaining action thriller.
Besides Ghajini what are the other films you are working on?
Once I wrap up Ghajini, I will start work on Raju Hirani's next film. I have a couple of films in production, one of them Delhi Belly and the other an untitled venture. So it's going to be a busy period ahead.
