Aamir Khan, known for his perfectionist approach to cinema, has once again sparked excitement among his fans by expressing his deep desire to make a film adaptation of Mahabharata. Speaking at the ABP conference, the Bollywood superstar revealed that the project has been a long-standing dream, one that he has nurtured for many years. While acknowledging the magnitude and complexity of bringing such a grand epic to life, Aamir hinted that he might finally be ready to take serious steps toward realizing this vision.
Aamir Khan’s Vision for Mahabharata
Aamir described Mahabharata as more than just a story—it’s a spiritual and philosophical journey that has profound cultural significance. Given his reputation for extensive research and meticulous storytelling, if he moves forward with this project, it is expected to be one of the most ambitious films ever made in Indian cinema. When asked if he would play a role in the film, Aamir responded with uncertainty, saying, “Let’s see if I’ll have a role in it to play.” This suggests that his focus would primarily be on producing and directing rather than taking up a major acting role.
There has been speculation for years that Aamir was considering making a Mahabharata film series rather than a single film, much like international franchises such as The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. However, the actor has also been candid in the past about the challenges of doing justice to the epic, acknowledging that a project of this scale requires a massive budget, years of research, and an ensemble cast of the highest caliber. If he commits to it, it could mark a monumental cinematic milestone, redefining the way Indian mythology is adapted for the big screen.
Interest in Children's Content and the Future of His Career
Apart from his passion for mythology, Aamir also spoke about his interest in children’s content, emphasizing that India does not produce enough original stories tailored for young audiences. He pointed out that most children’s films in India are imported from foreign studios, dubbed, and released in Indian languages, rather than being homegrown narratives that reflect Indian culture and values.
Aamir has already proven his ability to create meaningful content for children with his directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par, which was widely praised for its sensitive portrayal of dyslexia. He now aims to expand his contributions in this space by producing more films that focus on children’s issues, education, and storytelling that is both entertaining and enriching. This aligns with his overall approach of using cinema as a tool for social impact and meaningful storytelling.
Expanding His Role as a Producer
Reflecting on his career, Aamir mentioned that he prefers to work on one film at a time when acting, as it allows him to fully immerse himself in each role. However, he also revealed that he is keen on producing multiple projects simultaneously, aiming to nurture fresh talent in the industry. With his 60th birthday approaching next month, Aamir spoke about his long-term goals, stating that in the next 10 to 15 years, he wants to increase his involvement in filmmaking, mentor emerging artists, and take on diverse projects that push creative boundaries.
His upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, is a testament to his evolving cinematic vision. While he is playing the lead role, the film also highlights his shift toward producing and supporting unique storytelling approaches. If he does go ahead with Mahabharata, it could be one of the most significant undertakings of his career, requiring extensive planning and a visionary approach. Given Aamir’s dedication to authenticity and his reputation for taking bold creative risks, his version of Mahabharata could set new benchmarks for Indian epics on screen, potentially rivaling international mythological adaptations in terms of scale, storytelling, and cinematic grandeur.
