Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently opened up about how he initially advised Aamir Khan against making Lagaan. However, he later admitted to being completely taken aback after watching the first cut of the film.Speaking at an event on Sunday, Akhtar said, “I know I’m pouring my neck on the line. But I’ve put my neck on the line before and have been proven right. I was the one who said Aamir will be a superstar, Amitabh after a series of flops I predicted that he will become a superstar. Today I’m predicting that the film which will connect with everyone is being made by Aamir.
That film will be a super hit. Manmohan, Salim Javed, Yash Chopra all gave hits in line. But they all gave hits in one genre. They never gave hits in varied genres. Nassir is one of the most underrated. Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor became Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor because of Nassir. Charming hero. Humour. Flirt. This all was brought by Nassir.”Talking about his resistance to ‘Lagaan,’ Javed revealed, “Aamir’s magic is that he put his money on unconventional films. I asked him not to do Lagaan. Tried convincing him a lot. Made a list of what all was wrong. He made a list and made a script with all those things.
Village hero
Hero wearing a dhoti
Cricket in the movie
Songs only talking about will it rain or not
Then I gave up. Ki film to Aamir ko chalani hai. But when I saw the first cut I was blown away.”
Javed further praised Aamir’s approach to cinema, stating, “People don’t make Taare Zameen Par. People don’t work in Dangal. He was the actor in Rang De Basanti who was sitting in a corner and letting another actor take center stage.”He also highlighted Aamir’s ability to take risks and believe in unique characters and stories, saying, “Only Aamir could have believed in these characters and stories. Aamir did a film with Ashutosh with whom he had a flop before. A new director, Farhan, came to you with a 3-hero film and you did it. Who would have done Dangal in their right mind? Role of such an old man who loses to his daughter in kushti. All actors work in films of directors who have given hits. You take chances no other can.”
Javed then reflected on his long association with Aamir, recalling, “Aamir was born in 1965, I started in 1965 in Bollywood. Aamir worked in the first film written by me. I was writing a film Faryaaz in Panchgani for Nassir Hussain. He saw Aamir and immediately told Nassir that he is a star and he should start with a romantic film. Aamir’s first film was produced and written by Javed. My son’s first film was with Aamir.”
He also shared an interesting anecdote about Aamir waiting for his approval before saying yes to Dil Chahta Hai, stating, “Aamir told Javed that he was waiting for his call post saying no to Farhan for a script hearing. When Javed didn’t call, Aamir realized that Farhan must have not spoken to him and he must truly believe in Aamir.”
