About:
Aamir Khan (born 14 March 1965) is an acclaimed Indian actor, filmmaker, and television personality known for his contributions to Hindi cinema. Nicknamed “Mr. Perfectionist,” he is celebrated for his diverse roles and films that address social issues such as education and gender equality. Over his 30-year career, Khan has become one of Indian cinema’s most notable actors, earning nine Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, and an AACTA Award. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010 by the Government of India, and received an honorary title from China in 2017.
Early Life and Background
Aamir Khan was born in Bombay (now Mumbai) to film producer Tahir Hussain and Zeenat Hussain. He is the eldest of four siblings, with a brother, Faisal, and two sisters, Farhat and Nikhat. His family has roots in Herat, Afghanistan, and he is a descendant of Maulana Azad and former President of India, Zakir Husain. His paternal uncle, Nasir Hussain, was a noted producer-director in Hindi cinema. His nephew, Imran Khan, is also a contemporary actor in Bollywood.
Khan’s first screen appearance was as a child actor in his uncle’s film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973). As a teenager, he appeared in the film Holi (1984) and then took up acting full-time with his leading role in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), which established him as a star. His performance in Raakh (1989) earned him a National Film Award in the Special Mention category.
Career Highlights
1988–2001: Rise to Stardom
In the late 1980s and 1990s, Khan starred in several commercially successful films. His roles in Dil (1990), Rangeela (1995), Raja Hindustani (1996), for which he won his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor, and Sarfarosh (1999), established him as a leading actor. In 1999, he founded Aamir Khan Productions, and his first film under this banner, Lagaan (2001), was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Lagaan won him a National Film Award and two Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Best Film. His performance in Dil Chahta Hai (2001) was also highly praised.
2006–2016: Continued Success
After a brief hiatus, Khan returned with leading roles in Fanaa (2006) and Rang De Basanti (2006). He made his directorial debut with Taare Zameen Par (2007), winning Filmfare Awards for Best Film and Best Director. His subsequent films Ghajini (2008), 3 Idiots (2009), Dhoom 3 (2013), PK (2014), and Dangal (2016) broke box office records, with Dangal earning him his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Impact and Recognition
Aamir Khan has a significant following in India and China and was described by Newsweek as “the biggest movie star in the world.” He has been regularly listed among the world’s most influential Muslims and appeared on the Time 100 list in 2013 for his work as a social reformer. He created and hosted the TV show Satyamev Jayate, focusing on social issues in India.
Acting and Filmmaking
Debut and Early Career Challenges
Khan’s early career included acting in experimental films like Holi (1984) and his breakthrough role in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). Despite a few setbacks, such as the commercial failure of Love Love Love (1989), he received critical acclaim and a National Film Award for Raakh (1989).
Personal Life
Khan’s personal life includes his marriage to Reena Dutta, with whom he has two children, and later to Kiran Rao, with whom he has a son. His journey from a child actor to one of Bollywood’s biggest stars is marked by his dedication to his craft and his commitment to socially relevant cinema.