2. He is an extremely capable actor but way too overrated as far as his movie choices go. His repertoire consists of rare gems like Mela, Aatank Hi Aatank, Awwal Number etc. In fact, after QSQT, Aamir Khan spent the entire 1990s engaged in mostly making crappy cinema (barring Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Andaz Apna Apna and Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander). I have to admit here that as a child, I thoroughly enjoyed a movie named Dil (and to think, I have never been accused of good cinematic taste)
It was only post-Dil Chahta Hain that Aamir showed some class in selection of his movies and roles reflected in Lagaan and Rang De Basanti. As an avid movie watcher, I would like to remind Aamir that 'quality' is not defined by 'quantity' and vice versa. Therefore, just by virtue of doing less films, he cannot claim to have produced quality work. Besides, even after establishing this false sense of being a 'quality' actor and a perfectionist, his participation in historically inaccurate biopics like Mangal Pandey, which he spent years researching and growing a moustache (not even a beard) for, the horror of a tormented love story like Fanaa and not to mention, the very, very original Ghajini, is unforgivable.
3. His rejection of popular film awards is obviously pretentious. While many might view it as an expression of his political will, I see it as a covert attempt to insult a fraternity that he has 'fed' of but won't 'feed' into. In fact, I support every taunt and joke made at his behest at the innumerable awards functions year after year even by the extremely unfunny bags of recycled humour that are Sajid Khan and his protege, Riteish Deshmukh.
What surprises me even more is that Aamir will graciously accept the National Awards (notorious for its alleged botch ups....the winners from the last few years will prove it) as it comes for the Government of India (the most reliable awards authority in the country where merit is always preferred over petty favouritism). Needless to say, Aamir would never say NO to the Oscars where he can hobnob with Hollywood royalty and may be, breakthrough with a studio deal or two. Officially, he will gush at interviews that the Oscar experience is much bigger than the award itself...ya right!!
At least, he is not as shameless as Anil Kapoor whose behaviour at the Oscars and related international red carpet events left the makers of Slumdog Millionaire (including the demanding parents of the child actors) red faced!!
4. He is well on his way towards becoming the Mahesh Bhatt of our generation. Wherever there is a cause, Mr. Khan has an opinion, not necessarily a well-informed one. The quality of Indian education remains one of his pet subjects on which he has made a number of films, will continue to and cast himself as a college student in each one of them.
He is at once, an educationist, legal expert, social activist and a 'lecturer' in the truest sense of the term. He has allegedly argued that the new copyright law should not protect lyricists and musicians as it is the actors who make the song popular (deep thinking) and of course, all this has nothing to do with the fact that he has recently turned producer and music is an important part of his films. He has, in a unique example of balance of interests, managed to defend both the Narmada Bachao Andolan and Coca Cola, on complete;y contradictory grounds. Again, his support for Coca Cola arises out of social concern and not out of pure self-interest. He has also very succesfully managed to pass on the Coca Cola ambassadorial baton to his much younger, less than talented, eyebrow shaping nephew, Imran Khan.
5. While he argues in favour of persons being able to express themselves freely; he himself will take a great idea conceived by someone else and will pass it on as his own and hog the credits (Taare Zameen Par and Amol Gupte). Then, when the movie garners all the awards and appreciation, he will consciously stay away from this and still be talked about. He will appear in ample number of media (non-movie related promotional) events and blog and tweet about every day/event of his life, yet claim to be reclusive, reserved and media shy. Displaying immense emotional maturity, he will also name pet dogs after his greatest competitor because he does not believe in the rat race or care for popularity in filmdom.
AND as you can possibly tell, I am not at all petty and judgmental.
I just hope Aamir Khan the person was as simple, believable and lovable as some of his movie characters!!
