There should be no politics over films, says Aamir

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 16

There should be no politics over films, said Aamir Khan on the sets of his upcoming film “Dangal” at Leel village, 25 km from here.

“Some people who are not even into politics oppose films because they do not want the society to change. Films are a major instrument that brings a positive change in the society,” he said.

The actor reached Ludhiana yesterday and was looking as macho as ever in his new chiseled avatar, sporting a chequered shirt, brown pants and a handlebar moustache. He will be in city till June 25 and will be shooting for the younger days of the wrestler.

Commenting on piracy, he said piracy in any form was unfortunate. “If ‘Udta Punjab’ was leaked on the internet it is a major setback. If any film is leaked before its release date, it affects the bread and butter of everybody associated with the film. If ‘Udta Punjab’ was leaked by Censor Board, then it is a very serious and grave issue and a high-level inquiry should be conducted on this matter. I am looking forward to watch “Udta Punjab” in Punjab itself,” Aamir said.

On being asked about Salman Khan’s “Sultan” which is also based on the life of a wrestler, he said there was no competition between “Sultan” and “Dangal” as the storyline of both films was very different.

“Even if both films are released on the same day, there is nothing to worry. I am myself a fan of Salman Khan and he is a very good actor and I am a fan of his acting and the way he has maintained his body,” he said.

Aamir on being asked about his fitness mantra, said “diet” is the most important part of being fit.

“There is no need to take medicines or exercise strenuously, one should be regular in his/her diet and should maintain a diet chart,” he said.

Punjabis love food, but it is not true that only Punjabis are obese. Fat and unfit people are there in every region and every family and Punjabis are not the only ones. Aamir gained 25 kg weight and said he did that because the story demanded so, but was back in form now.

After “Dangal”, Aamir said he would be focusing on his serial “Satyamev Jayate” and the series would be focusing on water situation particularly in Punjab and Maharashtra.

Dangal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, will release on December 23, 2016.

...On ‘udta punjab’ leak on internet

I am not sure whether it was a CBFC copy. But if it is, then it reflects very badly on them. Piracy is an issue, which we all have been fighting for very long.

I am excited about the film and eagerly waiting for it. It's a good decision by the Bombay High Court. I will be watching it here because I am shooting now.

...On salman’s ‘Sultan’

Be it Salman Khan's physique, looks or acting prowess, Aamir said he and his wife Kiran Rao were the biggest admirers of the "Dabangg" star. Aamir said whatever his "Andaz Apna Apna" co-star does becomes a trend in the Hindi film industry. 

Both actors are portraying wrestlers in their upcoming movies and have built a certain body type to fit into their roles. But the 51-year-old "PK" star does not want to be compared with Salman.

"My wife and I have always been Salman's fans. He has always had a very fit body and in fact has been the inspiration for actors like me to have a body like him," Aamir said.

"I have just tried to be like him in 'Dangal' but I don't feel my body is as good as him. He is the original body builder," the actor said. "Salman is anyway a handsome actor. He looks more handsome when he is without clothes...He is a gifted human being and very charming."

There are reports that Phantom Films is planning a sequel to filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi's 1994 comedy "Andaz Apna Apna".

Aamir said he had no idea about a proposed sequel, but if it happened he would love to star with Salman in it.  — PTI