
Aamir Khan
Actor & producer
Aamir Khan is an Indian actor, film producer and occasional director who works primarily in Hindi cinema. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Indian film industry, he is known for a deliberate, selective approach to his projects and for backing socially themed films alongside commercial entertainers. Over a career spanning several decades he has become associated with films that combine box-office success with critical recognition.
Early life
Khan was born on 14 March 1965 in Mumbai into a family with deep roots in the film industry. His father, Tahir Hussain, was a film producer, and his uncle Nasir Hussain was a well-known producer and director. He appeared as a child actor in a couple of films before stepping away from the industry during his school years. He has spoken in interviews about being an avid tennis player in his youth before committing to acting.
Career
Khan rose to prominence with the 1988 romantic drama Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, which made him a popular leading man. Through the 1990s he appeared in a range of successful films, building a reputation as a dependable star. A turning point came in 2001 with Lagaan, a period sports drama he also produced; the film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and is frequently cited as a landmark in Indian cinema.
In the following years Khan took on projects that broadened his range, including Dil Chahta Hai and Rang De Basanti. In 2007 he made his directorial debut with Taare Zameen Par, a film about a child with dyslexia that was praised for its sensitivity. He continued to combine large-scale entertainers such as the Dhoom franchise with films carrying social messages.
Recent work
Khan reached new commercial heights with 3 Idiots, PK and the Dhoom series, several of which set records at the Indian box office. In 2016 he starred in Dangal, a biographical sports drama about a wrestler and his daughters, which became one of the highest-grossing Indian films and was a major success in international markets, particularly China. He also hosted the television talk show Satyamev Jayate, which addressed social issues in India and drew significant attention.
In addition to acting, Khan has been active as a producer through Aamir Khan Productions, supporting films by newer filmmakers. He has received numerous Indian film awards and civilian honors for his contributions to cinema. Known for limiting the number of films he takes on each year, he has maintained a reputation for involvement in the detail of his projects, and his releases are regularly treated as significant events within the industry.