Birthday boy Aamir Khan: 10 lesser-known facts about Mr Perfectionist

8 years ago

Image courtesy: youtube.com

Aamir Khan, better known as Mr Perfectionist in Bollywood, has played some memorable roles since his debut. From playing the chocolate boy in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak or donning the comedian’s hat in Andaz Apna Apna to playing the no-nonsense cop in Sarfarosh and an alien in PK, Aamir’s has proved that he is one of the topmost versatile actors of his generation. As he celebrates his 51st birthday today, we look at some of the lesser-known facts about him.

1. A star in the making: Aamir made his big-screen debut at eight in the film Yaadon Ki Baarat.

2. He could have beaten Leander Paes: Aamir Khan loved to play lawn tennis in school and was also a state-level champion from Maharashtra.

Actor Aamir Khan during the DVD launch of film PK in Mumbai, on March 11, 2015. (Photo: IANS)

3. ‘No’ to award shows: Aamir wasn’t always anti-awards. But when Sunny Deol (for his role in Ghayal) beat Aamir (who was nominated for his role in Dil) at the 1990 Filmfare awards, Aamir pledged to avoid award functions.

4. A national award winner: Aamir Khan was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010 for his contribution to the Indian film industry.

5. Aamir, a revolutionary: Aamir has portrayed a few but important fictional and non-fictional revolutionary characters—in Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Lagaan or even Rang De Basanti. The revolutionary is, in fact, in him! Indian freedom fighter Abul Kalam Azad is his great grand-uncle (maternal).

6. An eating disorder: Aamir went through drastic physical changes for his roles in films like Ghajini, 3 Idiots and the upcoming film Dangal. But the actor also has a real-life eating disorder and is known to be a compulsive eater when not on a diet.

7. The baap of box office: Aamir has four of the highest-grossing films of all times (in Bollywood) to his name—Ghajini (2008), 3 Idiots (2009), Dhoom 3 (2013) and PK (2014).

8. I don’t like to bathe: Aamir Khan detests showers. While filming for Rangeela and Ghulam, Aamir hadn’t bathed in a few days—for the role he says, but we know why. Well, Kiran (his wife) did confirm that Aamir would only bathe when he had to step out of the house.

9. Don’t turn me into a statue: Aamir Khan is the only current top Bollywood actor whose wax statue hasn’t been installed at the Madame Tussauds Museum. He rejected the offer when they approached him after Rang De Basanti.

10. I didn’t know they’d become blockbusters: Aamir Khan is believed to have rejected roles in films that became super hits, including Hum Aapke Hai Koun, Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayege and Swades.