In an industry where actors tend to get stuck in the rut, Aamir Khan is one star who has never shied away from experimenting
In an industry ruled by three Khans, if Shah Rukh is the king of hearts, and if Salman is the master of the masses, then Aamir Khan has to be the epitome of perfection.
Lovingly called as Mr Perfectionist by fans, Aamir Khan has carved a niche for himself by carefully nitpicking meaningful roles and giving his 100% effort in bringing the character to life. Over the years, Aamir has not only experimented with roles but also tried on various contrasting looks, continuously surprising the fans with his different avatars. Aamir not just changes his looks but changes his entire body make up to get into the skin of the role. Now that’s called dedication. From being a cheeky prankster in Dil Chahta Hai to an intense avenger in Ghajini, Mr Perfectionist has done it all.
And while fans are going gaga over his new look in Dangal, where he plays a 56 year old wrestler, we take you down the memory lane to check out some of the best avatars of Aamir Khan:
Lagaan
Year: 2001
Role: Bhuvan – farmer of Champaner
Combining freedom struggle with cricket, Aamir Khan hit a six at the box office instilling a patriotic feeling in the hearts of the masses. Playing a farmer determined to overpower the British atrocities, Aamir Khan looked perfect as lean, bare chested, village chap Bhuvan, making you root for his uprising against the British.
Dil Chahta Hai
Year: 2001
Role: Rich lad Akash
From being naughty to flirty to earnest, Aamir Khan as Akash in Dil Chahta Hai became a role model for every youngster out there. Apart from becoming cynosure of all eyes, the cropped hair and a teeny tiny cute goatie which Aamir’s Akash sported became a quite a trend among the youth.
Mangal Pandey – The Rising
Year: 2005
Role: Mangal Pandey – freedom fighter
Almost being absent from the silver screen for four years, Aamir returned with a bang in Mangal Pandey: The Rising. Though the movie didn’t work at the box office, his long locks and a twirling moustache to match became a huge hit. Aamir was not afraid to be seen with his new look. He was out there, in the public eye, making his appearances wherever required just like he is doing for Dangal.
Rang De Basanti
Year: 2006
Role: DJ – unemployed youth
The lovable role of DJ from Rang De Basanti was etched in the minds and hearts of the masses. Playing a rebel who just refuses to grow up until tragedy strikes, was mirrored by his youthful appearance and the energy he projected on-screen. RDB turned out to be a huge hit and Aamir’s urban look with curly long hair became the look of the season. Working with actors much younger than him, not even once did Aamir let the ball drop and his infectious energy was palpable on the big screen. Don’t know about you, but I loved Aamir in the movie. Can watch it again and again without getting bored for even once.
Fanaa
Year: 2006
Role: Rehan Quadri – Tour guide/Kashmiri insurgent
Playing a character with a negative shade, Aamir Khan impressed one and all with his charming antics as the Delhi tour guide. His long gelled up curly locks, similar to Salman Khan’s Radhe Bhaiya from Tere Naam became quite famous. With a Dev Anand style mufler on his neck, Aamir Khan’s new look was a hit among the ladies.
Taare Zameen Par
Year: 2007
Role: Ram Shankar Nikumbh – art teacher
Playing an affable art teacher, who is a perfect role model to kids, Aamir Khan stepped aside and let Darsheel Safari hog the limelight in this sensitive, kids flick. Once again his lean, athletic body type and his spiked hair became the trend of the season.
Ghajini
Year: 2008
Role: Sanjay Singhania – business tycoon/short term memory loss patient
From being a cool teacher in Taare Zameen Par to a bulked up killing machine in Ghajini, Aamir Khan underwent drastic transformation in just one year. Aamir went almost bald for Ghajini and showed off his chiseled eight-pack. Within no time, there were Aamir fanatics sporting the new hair-do, after all, the body was a little hard to achieve.
3 Idiots
Year: 2009
Role: Rancho – eccentric college student
In 1988, Aamir Khan made an entry to Bollywood as a hero playing a college student in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Two decades later, Aamir still played a college kid and this time played it even more convincingly. Despite being over 40, Aamir Khan managed to achieve the body type and the mannerisms of a 20 year old, sweeping everyone of their feet with his cute portrayal of Rancho. Also, it is worth mentioning that the actor lost a hell lot of weight that he had gained in Ghajini to play Rancho in 3 Idiots in a span of few months.
Talaash
Year: 2012
Role: Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat
Aamir Khan stepped into an investigating inspector’s shoes in Talaash sporting a handlebar moustache and closely cropped hairdo. Playing a cop, who has lost his son, Aamir brought depth to his character by emoting with his eyes and brooding demeanour.
PK
Year: 2014
Role: PK – The Alien
Playing a visitor from outer space who questioned the religious superstitions of us earthlings, Aamir Khan tasted grand success with PK. His nude avatar with just a transistor to cover himself became so popular that people started spoofing it. His big unblinking eyes, his funny gait and his mismatched attires made PK the alien as the most loved character of 2014.