The ‘Perfectionist’ when it comes to Indian cinema, Mohammed Aamir Hussain Khan, popularly known as Aamir Khan, has proven himself deserving of this title throughout his career in Bollywood cinema. Not just an actor, Aamir Khan has directed and produced many blockbuster films, thus making him one of the most influential faces of Hindi cinema. He has also been a part of many social ventures, and is a prominent speaker on social issues. Aamir Khan was born into a family involved with film, with his father Tahir Hussain being a film producer. Some other important names in his family that are in the film industry are his uncle Nasir Hussain, his brother Faisal Khan, and his nephew Imran Khan. He was brought up and educated in Mumbai, which was also his gateway to film. He faced many troubles while growing up due to a less than ideal financial situation. Aamir Khan made an appearance in film at the tender age of eight, where he acted in the film Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973.) After another role in his father’s production Madhosh (1974), he had a long break from acting, until he started working backstage with Avantar, a popular theatre group. After some roles in theatre, he finally got his first gig in Bollywood as an assistant director in Manzil Manzil (1984), under Nasir Hussain. He stopped his studies in order to pursue his path in Hindi cinema, which turned out to be his true calling. After an acting stint in a low budget film named Holi (1984), Aamir Khan got his first big break with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) with co-star Juhi Chawla, a pair that rose to success despite their personal turbulent relationship. He won the Filmfare Awards for Best Male Debut for his performance in this movie as well. Since then, Khan has been on a roll with a multitude of big hits such as Dil (1990), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), and Rangeela (1995). He won the Filmfare Award for the Best Male Actor for Raja Hindustani (1997).This victorious streak was also interspersed with a few flops, but they did not discourage him. His boyish appearance rendered him a unique charm, making him the heart-throb of his time. Aamir Khan has been known for selecting his films with great attentiveness, ensuring that he gives his best only to the best. Because of this, he is not as prolific as most other mainstream Bollywood actors, however, his movies are usually great hits, and some have even amassed a cult following. Some of these movies are Raja Hindustani (1996), Ishq (1997), and Dil Chahta Hai (2001). He did a number of movies revolving around historical and social issues within India, which did well in the box office. A few examples are Lagaan (2001), Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005), and Rang De Basanti (2006.) He won the Filmfare Awards for the Best Actor in Lagaan (2001), which was also awarded the Filmfare Award for the Best Film. Aamir Khan does movies that show a great degree of social consciousness and awareness of current issues, but he also does the typical masala flicks that come to be associated with Bollywood. Yet, he performs exceptionally well no matter what role he takes up. While Taare Zameen Par (2007) and 3 Idiots (2009) were films that attempted to bring to light the rigid, flawed, system of education in the country, while a movie like Dhoom 3 (2013) was criticised due to its superficiality and lack of insight. PK (2014) was also a commercial success, a satire that spoke against the blind belief in superstition.

Aamir Khan also set up a production company called Aamir Khan Productions, where he produced a number of films that he also acted in, such as Lagaan (2001) and Dhobi Ghat (2011.) He made his directorial debut with Taare Zameen Par (2007), which won him critical acclaim as well as the Filmfare Award for the Best Director.

Aamir Khan is notorious for his absence during any sort of film award ceremonies, but has never made an official comment on the same.

Khan also participated in many humanitarian projects, including opposition of the building of the Narmada Dam, as well as supporting Anna Hazare’s Janlokpal Bill Movement. He is also very well-known for his role as the host in the television talk-show, Satyamev Jayate in 2012, which was aimed at understanding and analysing the social issues in India. The themes dealt with range from gender discrimination, sexuality, environmental degradation, and casteism.

Aamir Khan is one of the leading faces of India cinema, and with his national and international acclaim, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the country today.