14 March,2017 08:11 AM IST | | Mayank Shekhar
As Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who started his career with 'Holi' (1984), celebrates his birthday today, we embark on a rather tough exercise: listing his best films. What are yours? Let's start the debate!
We look forward to Aamir as astronaut Rakesh Sharma in 2019
We look forward to Aamir as astronaut Rakesh Sharma in 2019
Here's the thing about 'all-time favourite' lists: nobody ever gets 'em right. There's scope for never-ending debate. What's even more peculiar about ranking your favourite Aamir Khan movies? Which is the reason we've chosen to stick our neck out, and yet invite entries: You will inevitably get it wrong.
For one, Aamir's been around since 1985, delivering top-notch work ever since, and not merely star-vehicles. Your top choice will inescapably depend on your vintage, first. With movies, as with life, nothing beats nostalgia. In my case, it was staying up till late for the year's awards show in 1993, praying that 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander' wins. The film did. Aamir didn't. That moment seemed like personal loss!
But beyond that, post 'Mela' (2000), as an actor-filmmaker, Aamir has rarely if ever wholly disappointed his audiences with his choice of film/script. This, of course, shows up in box-office receipts, but more importantly, in critical acclaim as well. Most Indian heroes and 'event picture' makers tend to take on film reviewers to hide behind their own obvious mediocrity. And yet, in Aamir's case, 'Lagaan', which is his best-made film yet, doesn't make it to our top 5! This already says a lot. As does this list, and the obvious misses.
1. 'Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar' (1992)
Zany, fun, full of hilarious, high-school moments that, back in the '90s, seemed like we could savour forever. We did.
2. 'Dil Chahta Hai' (2001)
Pretty much single-handedly established the new template for young, urbane cool in Bollywood.
3. 'Andaz Apna Apna' (1994)
Yup, it's that triple-ace in a house of cards that's been making India laugh uncontrollably since 1994; and at this rate, clearly, it will continue to forever.
4. 'Rangeela' (1995)
Hugely entertaining musical with Aamir as the adorable, road-side 'blackiya' Munna stealing hearts - including the heroine's, of course.
5. 'Rang De Basanti' (2006)
The supposed 'youth-centric' film that for once captured the mood of the times; and in an admirable instance of life imitating cinema, it even had youngsters hit the streets as activists for a protest march, much like the climax of this 'desh-bhakt' blockbuster.
