Aamir's opening salvos are stock sound bytes, the rehearsed bits you see in mostly every interview he does. And it takes him a while to settle into his skin, to be candid. Most justifiable, this, considering the media attention a big release garners, especially an Aamir Khan film -- the man is notorious for both his sabbaticals from the screen as well as his no-nonsense moratoriums on the media.
"I'm not known for my speed," he smiles, pausing to let the room laugh, "I think I was waiting for the right kind of script to come along which I would like to produce. And I think that was the reason it took me so much time to come out with my next production."
Aamir wears all three hats this time: Producer, director and actor. "As a producer, I had to be involved only in the evening once the shoot for the day was over, to plan the next day's program. But working as a director and actor at the same time was tough," he admits.
"Normally when you are just acting, you go to your make-up room, live with your lines and prepare for the role, but here I was directing too, so I had to be on the sets first, get everything ready right from sound to lights, and by the time everyone is getting ready, I had to go get myself ready, and then go and meet each actor. So I'd go back and forth and get the things done."
Directing oneself is another obvious challenge. "Once you are giving your shot and facing the camera, you don't see other actors so you have to judge for yourself -- and for the others too. You have to concentrate hard and be alert all the time," he says, adding that he prefers not directing himself.
But doesn't he end up being a part of all the projects he produces? Aamir disagrees.
"As a producer, my next film is Jaane Tu, the shooting for which is completed. The director is (Maqbool scriptwriter) Abbas Tyrewala, who has also written it. Abbas has written a very good script and has also directed it very well, according to me."
Then comes the revelation, which almost sounds like he's bowing to industry convention. "Imran, my nephew -- Nassirsaab ke potey(grandchild) -- he's being launched with this film."
It isn't the kind of thing Aamir's public perception allows, a star-kid launch, even though he smiles on and further mentions that Mansoor Khan "who had run away from films" is back as producer with Jaane Tu. "I convinced him," he says proudly, and you're charmed.
Photograph: Hitesh H
Also read: 'I had no problem directing myself'
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