Taking a cue from other Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan, the lead cast of 'Dhoom 3', including Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Uday Chopra and director Vijay Krishna Acharya, were in Chennai recently to promote the film, part of the popular Dhoom franchise, which is also releasing in Tamil on December 20.
Often known for its out-of-the-box stunt sequences, ultra glam stylish girls, hip-hop bikes, Aamir and Katrina are the new additions to 'Dhoom 3', which is produced by Yash Raj Films.
Everyone who spoke at the event said that they had some connection or other with Chennai.
"I am a newcomer for Tamil audiences who have not seen my Hindi movies," said Aamir, wearing his signature hat as we began our conversation.
The star is starring as a baddie for the first time in 'Dhoom 3'.
Query him about how important the film has been to him, and he replies, "Every film is equally and extremely important to me. I really loved the script, and I found it exciting. It had a heart and I enjoyed the entire process of its making. At any point of time, I would like to do what I like to do. I live for the moment. The experiences I had doing this film with costars, Abhishek, Katrina and director Victor were very good. What I really look for is that when the audiences sit in the theatre and the lights go off, how much have they enjoyed it when they come out and say 'wow'."
The actor vouches that D3 has spectacular action scenes. "Dhoom is a franchise known for its highaction extravaganza. Apparently, our responsibilities are more. The movie is set in Chicago. And fortunately, people here like well made films with high octane stunts. It will be a good ride and Hollywood stunt choreographer Conrad Palmisano and his stunt team trained us."
On the character he plays, he says, "I am a circus artist in D3 and there's an eight-minute circus dance. Katrina and I worked really hard on our roles. Only in India do we see animals performing stunts in circuses. In the rest of the world, it's human beings, acrobats who do all the stunts. In fact, both of us have done a few dangerous stunts."
Did the numbers 'Rs 100 crore' and 'Rs 200 crore' put pressure on him?
"Oh, not at all! I don't look at numbers. My interest in 'numbers' is restricted to the effect that my producer should get back the money which he has invested."
On his favourite actor from Kollywood, he smiles. "It's none other than Superstar Rajinikanth. I am a great fan of Rajini sir's. I watched two of his Hindi films, 'Uttar Dakshin' and 'Girafftar'. Even as I was up and coming, I had the opportunity to work with him in 'Aatank Hi Aatank'. When I realised that Rajini sir was also there in the movie, I was really nervous. It was an enriching experience. He was very punctual at shoots and a thorough professional. He is humility personified. He had a huge impact on me," Aamir says.
If he had to work in a Tamil remake again which film would he choose?
"When I saw 'Ghajini', I liked it. But my fear was that I wouldn't be able to pull it off as I am not known for chasing goons in revenge mode and killing them. Then I spoke to Suriya who did the original. He was the one who gave me confidence and persuaded me to work in 'Ghajini'. If an original Tamil script comes for a remake and which interests me, I may consider it," he says.
Unfamiliarity with the language is the reason for him to not foray into Tamil flicks.
"I have high regard for Tamil filmmakers, actors and actresses. I have friends like A. R. Rahman, Ravi K. Chandran and others. As an actor, it is very difficult to work in a language which is alien to me. If anyone offers me a role where I essay a non-Tamil speaking character, maybe I will be ready," he says.
