Performing for the press

Even the most talented of actors are up against it when facing the press live, but Aamir Khan takes this challenge too, in his stride. PREETI JABBAL reports

Another slick and assured performance was delivered by superstar Aamir Khan as he answered questions at a press conference held in Sofitel recently. The charming actor used all media-savvy strategies to his advantage while speaking on subjects as varied as Twitter, Indian students, social engagement and the upcoming release of his film Peepli Live. Aamir Khan was in Melbourne for the Australian premiere of Peepli Live as a guest of the Melbourne International Film Festival. Peepli Live is due for a worldwide release on August 13.

Aamir Khan had a message for youngsters, especially students, from all parts of the world. “Follow your dreams,” he said. “It is important for all of us to be honest to ourselves. Try not to compromise on your happiness due to pressure from others. You need to know what makes you happy.”

Citing his own example he added, “It is really important for me to do what makes me happy. If I make mistakes in the process, I treat them as a learning experience. Doing things that make me happy has worked for me.”

The star who made cinematic history with the song Papa kehte hain chose to quote his mom instead. “My mom always used to encourage me by saying that no matter what you do in life, you should always think of what the other person is going through and not hurt anybody,” he said.

“I have always wanted to do films that excite me; at the same time I want to do films that are economically viable so nobody loses money in the process,” he claimed. “I try to combine the two. As an entertainer I try to reach my audience and entertain them, and at the same time touch on a social topic. However, not all my films are on social topics, some are plain romantic or simple comedies. I enjoy watching and making films that are not conventional”.

When asked what people will take away from watching Peepli Live Aamir said, “Peepli Live is a movie that will make you laugh, it will touch you and engage you. It is also sad at times, but it is a very sensitizing script. As a society we tend to focus all our resources on cities, in the process we forget our villages. We are not aware of how things work in villages. Peepli Live is essentially a script about the growing divide between urban and rural India. I am hoping that this film will sensitize the issues faced by people living in rural areas”.

Not only does Aamir possess good looks, acting prowess, fame, fortune and a fan following, he is articulate and very willing to comment, especially on his blog. “As a citizen it is important to engage socially and politically, and voice your concerns,” he said. “I am not a social activist but I live in a democracy where we can express our thoughts, and I like to comment on issues that I feel strongly about, as a human being.”

Aamir’s blogs have generated a lot of interest in India, where he is treated almost as royalty by movie lovers.

According to Richard Moore, Executive Director of the Melbourne International Film Festival, the 5 to 6 Indian movies that featured in the 2010 festival were termed ‘Not Quite Bollywood’. Indian films, according to him, have started making a bigger presence in festivals around the world. “A new trend is emerging within Indian cinema and it is now more visible in the world market,” commented Richard.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange from Mind Blowing Films, who was instrumental in getting Aamir to Melbourne, agreed with Richard. Mitu will be distributing Peepli Live in Australia and she has also been hired by the Directorate of Film Festivals in India as their curator of Australian/NZ films for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This year Mitu also brought competition from hits like Avatar, What about the Morgans? etc.” She added, “The fact that Indian films are being appreciated here is a very big factor for directors, actors and film makers in India. They are happy to endorse this appreciation and do business with Australia.”

At the end of the conference Aamir commented that he was not comfortable calling Indian cinema ‘Bollywood’. “Hindi cinema can be called mainstream Indian cinema, not Bollywood!” he said. “It’s not fair to forget that there are films made in various languages. Hindi cinema is just one part of Indian cine scene, so it does not make sense to put all Indian movies under the concluded.

Later that evening, Aamir’s movie Peepli Live premiered to rave reviews and was attended by a predominantly Indian audience. “For us, Aamir is the best thing that happened to Indian cinema,” said an ardent fan. “Melbourne was lucky to host such a tremendously talented artist.”

Throughout the conference the actor was relaxed, nonchalant, decisive with his comments and completely in control of the media barrage, proving his mettle as a highly accomplished actor. On seeing him perform live, one can understand why he truly deserves the accolade of superstar.