Aamir Khan, who is known to put in extra efforts for his films, has done it again, quite literally. For his upcoming film Dangal, where he plays a wrestler, Aamir had to put on weight and the weighing scale currently reads 95 kg for him. He talks about his role and more.
The sports freak
“I enjoy playing sports. Now, I am enjoying wrestling. Performing in a sports-oriented film like Dangal is bringing me tons of satisfaction."
First China visit
Everyone showed their love for me. It was a great experience. But I couldn’t shop there as I wear an extra large size now. They presented me an extra large designer T-shirt; and have promised to send me a shirt, no sooner I slim down. Everyone is impressed with me, for putting on weight for a character.
‘I get tired very soon’
On a daily basis, my body is carrying 27 kg more than it should. My heart is pumping for 27 kg extra, my joints are carrying 27 kg more, I feel irritated and get tired very soon. When I bend down to tie my shoe lace, my stomach comes in the way. Then, within a short period, I start panting. It isn’t very good for health. I haven’t consulted a doctor, because I know he will ask me not to play with my health.
Weight increase mantra
I eat a lot of sev-puris and samosas as they contain calories. Meat, fish and chicken aren’t part of my daily diet. Having gained so much weight, my mom and Kiran both feel it isn’t good that I am playing with my body.
About Dangal
The script of this film is mind blowing. It touches the issue of girl empowerment and also expresses patriotism. It showcases the relationship of a father and daughter. Nitesh Tiwari has tried to narrate the tale with humour, like all Raju Hirani’s films.
Dangal director’s last film was not a hit
I have worked with so many directors whose earlier films weren’t successful. I think only about the current film, as I wasn’t with them previously. If I had this notion in mind, then Lagaan wouldn’t have happened.
Playing a father
An actor needs to change like a chameleon. In 3 idiots, I played an 18-year-old, while I was 44. Now I am 50, why can’t I play the character of a 55-year-old man?
Future of wrestling
Pehlvans need to be quick witted and need to know their tactics. If the story of Dangal is portrayed well on celluloid, wrestling will get a great boost in India. Like IPL and kabbadi there can be a wrestling league too.
On casting new faces
We needed new faces from a particular age group. An established actress will be busy with other films too. But we have to carve a wrestler’s body for all these characters.
