ROAD TO EXCELLENCE

With several Rs 100, 200 and 300 crore films, and one—Dangal—that breached the Rs 2,000-crore mark, Aamir’s has been a long, eventful journey since he burst on to the silver screen as the loveable Raj in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988 at age 23.

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AAMIR KHAN Actor, Producer

What better time than on the eve of age 60 to look back at a glorious, nearly four-decade-long stint in Bollywood? Superstar Aamir Khan did exactly that, and more, at the India Today Conclave. That boyish charm continued in many a film-Dil, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Andaz Apna Apna, Rangeela, Raja Hindustani, Dil Chahta Hai.... Along the road, however, Aamir also took a serious turn, not just acting in meaningful roles, but also making socially relevant cinema (Lagaan, Lal Singh Chadha, Dangal, Taare Zameen Par, Secret Superstar, Laapataa Ladies). He may not have chased success, but seems surprised that he found so much of it. But where others would congratulate themselves, Aamir is self-deprecating, admitting how he still battles nerves before a film's release. There were some light-hearted reminiscences too, like how he'd be the only actor to reach set on time during the shoot of