Happy birthday Aamir Khan: 5 landmark phases in which the maverick redefined Bollywood  

Aamir Khan turns 60 today!

Aamir Khan is more than just a Bollywood superstar — he’s an institution in himself. Over the decades, he has transformed from a charming romantic hero to a perfectionist who pushes the boundaries of Indian cinema. As he turns a year older today, we take a deep dive into his illustrious career, his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema, and what makes him the Mr Perfectionist of Bollywood.

The rise of a star

Aamir Khan’s journey in cinema began as a child actor in Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), but it was Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) that made him an overnight sensation. Unlike his contemporaries, Aamir was never one to follow formulas. Instead of cashing in on his lover-boy image, he constantly sought diverse roles, proving his mettle as an actor.

The Perfectionist era

From the 1990s onwards, Aamir Khan began choosing roles that defied conventional Bollywood storytelling. While Rangeela (1995) saw him shed his chocolate-boy image, Sarfarosh (1999) cemented his reputation as an actor with depth. Lagaan (2001) became an Oscar-nominated masterpiece. His dedication to perfectionism was evident — whether it was learning Bhojpuri for Lagaan or undergoing drastic body transformations for Ghajini (2008) and Dangal (2016).

The disruptor of trends

While the industry thrived on masala blockbusters, Aamir Khan championed content-driven cinema. Films like Taare Zameen Par (2007) and PK (2014) tackled social issues. Dhoom 3 (2013) brought Hollywood-style action to Bollywood, and 3 Idiots (2009) became a cultural phenomenon. His meticulous approach to storytelling has set a gold standard in Indian cinema.

The box office king and a global star

Aamir Khan has not only ruled the Indian box office but also made waves internationally. With Dangal grossing over Rs 2000 crore worldwide, he became the face of Bollywood’s global appeal, particularly in China. Unlike other superstars, Aamir focuses on one project at a time, ensuring that every film is an event in itself.

The humanitarian and producer

Beyond acting, Aamir has contributed to cinema and society in remarkable ways. His show Satyamev Jayate (2012-2014) addressed pressing social issues, and his production house, Aamir Khan Productions, has backed meaningful cinema like Peepli Live (2010). His decision to take a break from acting post-Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) reflects his commitment to quality over quantity.

What’s next?

After a brief hiatus, Aamir Khan is set to return with Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that reportedly carries forward the essence of Taare Zameen Par. Will it redefine Bollywood storytelling once again? Given Aamir’s track record, expectations are sky-high.