Aamir Khan
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
Aamir Khan is one of India's most formidable and durable filmmaking talents. Although the charming star is best known for his acting, Khan has proved himself as a screenwriter, director and producer as well. His first major breakthrough as an actor came in the romance "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" (1988), where he played the lead role of Raj. He won the Best Newcomer Award from Filmfare for his performance, the Indian equivalent of the Oscars. The following year he gained more praise for his role in the crime drama "Raakh" (1989), playing a man consumed by revenge and violence. Khan's stardom shined brightly throughout the 1990s, particularly due to his roles in a string of box office hits, including "Dil" (1990), "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" (1993), his first screenwriting credit, and "Raja Hindustani" (1996). His career tempered a bit with the public after the latter success, but Khan did also star in acclaimed director Deepa Mehta's "Earth" (1998), among other productions. In 2001, he produced and starred in the epic "Lagaan," a huge popular success around the world and one that was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. Khan took a break from acting for a few years, but came strongly back with "Mangal Pandey: The Rising" (2005). He made his directorial debut with 2007's "Like Stars on Earth," and later, earned the distinction of appearing in one of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood history: the 2009 comedy "3 Idiots."
Growing up in a household of filmmakers, Khan long believed that making movies was his destiny. He was born in Mumbai (the heart of the Indian film industry) on March 14, 1965. His father, Tahir Hussain, was a producer and his uncle, Nasir Hussain, was well known as a director, writer and producer. His brothers and sister also worked in the film business as actors, but Khan would outshine them all with his own career. Not all of Khan's relatives were involved with showbiz, however; one of his most notable ancestors was Indian freedom fighter and politician Abul Kalam Azad, a Muslim revolutionary pivotal in bringing about India's independence from colonial British rule. Although it was not a surprise that Khan would pursue acting, there was concern over his decision when he left school in the 11th grade to chase his dream. Luckily, his drive for success led to massive results.
After his breakthrough with "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak," Khan's career hit a rough patch and the actor suffered through a series of popular disappointments, even though critics generally praised his performances. Other films, such as the comedy "Andaz Apna Apna" (1994), failed to strike a chord with either the public or critics, although that film in particular developed a cult audience over the years. After starring in "Earth" (1998), a prominent international film that helped display Khan's dramatic skills to audiences around the world unfamiliar with his work, his career received a major blow with the release of "Mela" (2000), a huge financial and critical flop. The failure of the film could have grounded his career for good, but Khan came back with 2001's "Lagaan" which was favorably received all around the world, particularly in the United States. Some of Khan's more notable post-"Lagaan" work includes "Dil Chahta Hai" (2001), focusing on modern-day Mumbai youth; political drama "Rang De Basanti" (2006), and romantic drama "Fanaa" (2006). In 2009 Khan appeared in "3 Idiots," the most financially successful film of his entire career.
Filmography
Director (Feature Film)
Cast (Feature Film)
Producer (Feature Film)
Editing (Feature Film)
Music (Feature Film)
Life Events
1988
First major role in "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak"
1990
Stars in blockbuster "Dil"
1993
Writes first movie, "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke"
2007
Directs first movie, "Like Stars on Earth"
2009
Stars in "3 Idiots," one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films in history
Family
Companions
