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I have eight or ten pack abs
Says Aamir Khan in a lighter vein, as he flexes his muscles to promote Taare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan never carried any of these. But the child in him has made him change.
Taare Zameen Par, the story of a child and Aamir's latest movie, has also altered his prefix from actor-producer to director now.
He says, "I am so nervous that in the last 20 days I have lost count of the cigarettes I have been smoking.
But I don't smoke in front of my kids and promise to give up the moment the movie releases," says the actor, who is making a big screen appearance after nearly 18 months."
Changing ways
"Yes, I have been accused of making selective appearances. But now I am more accessible. It will take time but I am changing," defends Aamir.
However, he is quick to add that the cellphone will never become an extension of him, "The last few days have been crazy.
I need to stay in touch with my core team, make last minute changes and decisions and hence...." says Aamir, known to communicate only through a set of walky-talkies and confidantes.
Taare Zameen Par, Aamir's first as a director, is about a dyslexic child. But Aamir stresses it's commerical, "This is not just a 'cause and message' picture. There are songs, dances, fun and yes, there is the message that comes across.
I don't want people to assume it's a serious movie, "He cites RDB (Rang De Basanti). "There was a message in the movie but, wasn't it entertaining and commercial as well?"
Are you this nervous before every release?
Yes, I am generally apprehensive but this time, all the more. Not that I haven't smoked in the past. But one evening, I was even more nervous than usual. And took it up. Haven't stopped since. As the nervousness recedes, I am sure the smoking will too.
The toughest part of directing?
The decision to direct. Writer Amol (Gupte), and I had umpteen discussions on who could be the appropriate choice. We did zero in on several names but taking on a new director would have meant a delay of at least six to eight months. We would have had to wait for a fresh school session as well to shoot in the school.
And most critically, delay would've meant, Darsheel Safary, (the child lead) would have grown by eight more months. His looks would've changed. I couldn't afford to wait longer. Hence, both Amol and I decided it was best was to take charge myself. Also, the new role meant that I would be away from my children for a longer time than expected.
It takes a lot to satisfy you. And this time, not just an actor, but a producer and director as well.
Yes, now I am satisfied. It took a lot to do that. Wasn't exactly happy at the initial stage. But as time and film cans started filling up, it started taking shape. I am quite excited with the music though. I believe there is much promise there.
Fanaa got caught in a political fire. Where do you stand with TZP?
I did think about it, as a producer. But, that's now the role of the distributor. Then, the circumstances were different, I am hoping that's a thing of the past and, children and families get to see TZP, irrespective of which state they are in. And that's what I have conveyed to my producers. So far, it seems on course.
Till the release, will Aamir Khan be all over the place?
It's good for the movie. Hence, anyone who comes up with a good idea, I'm making time for them. The back-to-school experience is fascinating.
What about your Tamil remake?
TZP releases on December 21, and, a week later, I intend switching off myself (and the cellphone) for the new year. The first week of January, I get busy on what you guys have named Ghajini.
I must confess, the name has been finalised and will announce it subsequently. I hope to complete it by March-end and then take a six-month break, hoping for a Diwali release. I have promised my children an exclusive six-month break after Ghajini, and I plan to live up to that.
You have one more change in you. Are six-pack abs in fashion suddenly?
Nope. The new muscular look is for Ghajini. And though I may not have measured them at last count, they are definitely more than six. I think I have eight or ten packs." (laughs). And for the record, I haven't watched OSO as yet. Please don't look for meanings in this. I am busy promoting my movie, that's all.
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