Aamir Khan is the most intelligent cinematic mind [in Bollywood], says Karan Johar

The director says he fears casting Aamir in his films lest he gives him a bad name

Updated 16 Aug, 2017

KJo has worked with almost every Khan in Bollywood, even the one across the border, but he has yet to work with Aamir Khan.

While hosting a Masterclass on 'How to direct a big Bollywood dream' at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) on Sunday, the director talked about why he has yet to cast the PK star.

"I don't want to be the one who gave him the bad film... I'm over-nervous," confessed Karan.

"I've yet to make my Lagaan or a Rang De Basanti or a Lage Raho... which I believe are defining iconic films," he said, adding that Aamir Khan is "the most intelligent cinematic mind" in the industry, especially after his blockbuster Dangal.

He compared his contributions to Hindi cinema and feels he has yet to add something to the industry. "I may have contributed to pop culture, but I don't think I have contributed to the brilliance of cinema as yet."

The director also highlighted how the script needs to shine through in a film, not the cast and gave the example of Baahubali. "We need to reinvent... dependence on stars has to reduce, content has to take over."

"I think I should have made many more movies. You start believing that you are so important that you can't fail - nobody is that important. Cinema is bigger than all of us. Last year, I promised myself to lessen the gap, but I'm still crackling with the idea of what to make, because it's the same fear of failure, overestimation about the self that keeps popping up, which I have to fight."

Comments

Khuram Nisar Aug 16, 2017 09:51am

"We need to reinvent... dependence on stars has to reduce, content has to take over." first of all you are always casting big names and even now considering top guy. then how would you reduce dependence on star? secondly, it is not about your confidence or failure of the script. Aamir has to like the script in order to work with you. so issue is, you haven't been able to find a script as of now that can win Aamir.

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Hassan (Karachi) Aug 16, 2017 12:32pm

@Khuram Nisar, Same problem persists in Hollywood, there are a limited "A List" Star group which can sell movies just by their name (e.g. Will Smith, Scarlett Johanson etc.) I believe Karan was referencing the Independent movie industry prevalent in the Cannes Movie Festival with movies from around the world. These movies do not have the Star power, but have a captivating story with mystic of a foreign environment. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to check the last 10-15 years of Palme d'Or winners (The grand prize at Cannes Film Festival). You'll be in for a treat.