Aamir Khan at 50! Flashback and forward...

Ketan Mehta’s ‘Holi’ (1984) did not really work for Aamir Khan as an acting début. However, four years later, ‘Qayamat se Qayamat Tak’ (QSQT), gave an impetus to his career and helped him grab his share in the Hindi film industry.

For someone who has had a fair amount of exposure to filmmaking since childhood, acting certainly wouldn’t have been a difficult career to pursue for Aamir. As a naive loverboy in 'QSQT', Aamir succeeded in making a million hearts skip a beat and effortlessly found cosy corners in the hearts of many. A new ladies’ man was born in the Tinsel Town in the face of the young Khan.

A number of average and flop films followed until ‘Dil’ happened to him. However, it was ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander’ that gave his career a new lease of life and re-established him as a star-in-the-making, then.

In a career spanning just over three decades, Aamir evolved not just as an actor but a film personality who developed a holistic interest in many aspects of filmmaking. His decision of doing just one film a year worked tremendously in his favour and helped in delivering iconic films such as ‘Lagaan’, 'Dil Chahta Hai', ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Talaash’, ‘Dhoom 3’ and ‘PK’.

Aamir’s efforts to produce off-beat cinema reaped fruits in the form of ‘Peepli Live’, as did his commercial ventures – be it ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ or ‘Delhi Belly’.

The actor’s directorial debut- ‘Taare Zameen Par’ – gave Hindi cinema, a new director, who could strike an emotional chord with utmost simplicity and ease.

Aamir gradually evolved as a celebrity, whose inclination was not just towards filmmaking but beyond. His association concerning social issues established his image as a thinking personality.

His début TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ helped him emerge as an active social campaigner. He discussed sensitive issues on his show and thus created awareness among people about various subjects that were rarely discussed before in public.

He is the face of the tourism ministry’s ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ campaign and endorses Ministry for Women and Child Development’s initiative to create awareness about malnutrition.

At 50, Aamir is not just an Indian film star, but a world renowned personality. However, the superstar, who has delivered a series of blockbusters, has had his share of controversies too!

Often known to be extremely stubborn in his approach towards his film projects, Aamir has had a strained relationship with many people he has worked with. ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and ‘Peepli Live’ made headlines after Amol Gupte and Anusha Rizvi respectively, reportedly alleged that the actor was denying them their creative freedom.

His latest - 'PK' – a controversy stricken film ironically made handsome business worldwide. Aamir scandalised many and took several others by surprise by posing nude for the first poster of the film in question. People who swear by him would know the magnitude of his commitment towards his work. And as 'PK', the alien, Aamir was required to drop his clothes, and he did so with élan.

Petitions were filed in courts against the actor and ‘PK’ makers, alleging that the film insulted religious sentiments. The cases were quashed and the courts ruled in favour of the film.

Despite controversies, Aamir stays least perturbed and relishes the niche he has carved for himself. He is now believed to be focusing on his next film – ‘Dangal’ – based on the life of Indian wrestler Mahavir Phogat.

Here’s wishing Aamir Khan a very happy 50th birthday, and hope he continues to entertain his fans with his thoughtful and creative approach.