Aamir Khan’s Journey of Reinvention and Return to Bollywood
A Transformative Hiatus
In the quiet reflection of the Covid-19 lockdown, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan nearly turned his back on the silver screen. The introspective phase, prompted by years immersed in storytelling and characters, made him realize how much he had missed with his family. “I pretty much missed my kids’ childhoods,” Khan confessed during a recent interview. This revelation led to a heartfelt decision: to step away from films entirely.
For a time, he traded the glitz of Bollywood for simpler joys, such as working with his daughter’s nonprofit in mental health. It was his family, ironically, who nudged him back, insisting he find a balance between his passions and personal life.
A New Beginning With “Lost Ladies”
Khan’s return to the industry comes with the Netflix-backed Lost Ladies (Laapataa Ladies), a lighthearted satire produced by Khan and directed by his ex-wife, Kiran Rao. The film humorously tackles patriarchal norms and gender roles through the story of two brides accidentally swapped on their wedding journeys. With its blend of wit and a heartfelt message, the film has already garnered international attention, becoming India’s official submission for the Academy Awards.
Rao emphasized how humor was integral to the storytelling. “Humor softens people, making it easier to address important issues,” she noted, a sentiment Khan echoed, as he believes cinema can influence minds and inspire change.
The Magic of Collaboration
Despite their divorce, Khan and Rao remain creative partners, a bond forged during the making of Lagaan (2001). Their collaboration, rooted in mutual respect, has been pivotal in pushing Lost Ladies into awards season conversations. For Khan, the Oscars are an opportunity to amplify the reach of Indian cinema, a sentiment he rarely associates with domestic awards.
The Return of the Three Khans
Beyond Lost Ladies, Khan dropped another bombshell: he, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan are actively searching for a script to bring them together on-screen. This would mark a historic collaboration for the trio that has ruled Bollywood for decades.
While Shah Rukh and Salman recently delivered blockbusters, Khan is still navigating his next major project following the lukewarm reception of Laal Singh Chaddha. Yet, he remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the right script and vision.
Cinema as a Mirror to Society
Khan, a vocal advocate for inclusivity and social causes, believes cinema has a role beyond entertainment. Reflecting on his past films, such as Sarfarosh (1999), he highlighted how movies can spark conversations about important societal issues. For Khan, the stories he chooses must resonate deeply, both with him and the audience.
A New Chapter, A Balanced Life
As Khan returns to the limelight, he is driven by a newfound purpose — balancing his passion for filmmaking with a commitment to his family. “It’s been an interesting journey these last three years,” he shared, “but now I’m in a much happier space.”
With half a dozen projects in the pipeline and a career-defining collaboration with the other Khans on the horizon, Aamir Khan’s next act promises to be as impactful as ever, both on-screen and off.
GUARDIANS, CNN, BBC NEWS
