Aamir Khan turns IFFI 2025 finale into an intimate masterclass
Aamir Khan brought the final Fireside Chat of the 56th International Film Festival of India to a roaring close, transforming a packed Kala Academy into what felt like an immersive masterclass in storytelling. Moderated by film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the session — titled “The Narrative Architect of Social Transformation and Inclusivity” — was candid, personal and full of insight.
Where his storytelling began
Aamir revisited the roots of his creative life, crediting childhood memories—his grandmother’s tales and the magic of Hawa Mahal on the radio—for shaping his instincts. “I’ve always been drawn to stories,” he said, adding that those early impressions still guide his choices as an actor.
Instinct over calculation
He made it clear that he prefers instinct to trends. “I can’t repeat myself. Once I’ve done a certain kind of film, I want to move on,” Aamir explained. He looks for stories that feel fresh and emotionally exciting, even if they go against the grain.
Reflecting on risky choices that paid off, he cited films like Lagaan, which industry insiders once advised against. “By all logic, I shouldn’t have become a star—I broke every rule,” he said, acknowledging that unconventional decisions unexpectedly connected with audiences.
Social themes came naturally
Aamir emphasised that his socially resonant films weren’t planned crusades. “I never select a film thinking about which social topic to address next,” he said, crediting writers for shaping films such as:
- Taare Zameen Par
- 3 Idiots
- Dangal
- Laapataa Ladies
A major career shift: back to acting
One of the evening’s biggest revelations was Aamir’s announcement about his professional focus. Once the slate of projects he’s produced — including Lahore 1947 and Happy Patel — wraps up in the coming months, he said he will shift his attention back entirely to acting. “From here on, any script I hear will be only for me as an actor,” he said, calling it the right time to dedicate himself fully to performing.
He also revealed he’s currently hearing new scripts, with “two or three” that have particularly excited him, but said he’s still deciding.
On directing: a long-standing love
Aamir admitted that direction is his big love and the part of filmmaking he enjoys most. But he was candid about the consequences: if he ever consciously takes up direction, he believes it would consume him so fully that he’d likely stop acting. That’s why he’s delaying that decision for now.
Memorable close
The session concluded on a celebratory note with Aamir being felicitated by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting — a fitting end to IFFI 2025’s final Fireside Chat and a clear sign that Aamir’s next chapter as an actor is eagerly awaited.
