Aamir Khan remembers being told 'Get Out' from an acting job: How his career almost ended before it even began

Time of India

01-05-2025

Aamir Khan recently shared how a setback in his early acting career led to his big break in films. Recalling his college days, Khan explained how he was removed from a Gujarati play just days before a competition, despite being a hardworking member of the cast. His absence, caused by his mother's refusal to let him leave during a state strike, led to his unexpected ousting. However, this disappointment turned into an opportunity when a friend introduced him to a diploma film project, which eventually led to his debut role in Holi (1984).
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Aamir's First Role in Theatre
Fate Takes a Different Turn
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Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan , known for his stellar career, recently opened up about a formative experience from his early acting days. Reflecting on his journey into acting, Khan recalled a disappointing incident during his college days that ultimately led him to his first film role, shaping his path to stardom.In a video shared by Aamir Khan's production house, the actor recounted his early foray into acting through a Gujarati play called Pasiyo Rangaro. He was part of the background cast, a group of actors who were given minor roles, such as hanging bamboos and setting up the stage. Despite his background position, Aamir's big moment arrived when he was assigned a single line of dialogue, which he described as the first dialogue of his acting career. "We want Rangara, we want Rangara," was the line he was supposed to deliver during the chorus.However, Aamir's excitement was short-lived as he never got the opportunity to speak that line. Just two days before the inter-college competition, Aamir was unexpectedly removed from the play.The reason for his removal was linked to a state-wide closure in Maharashtra. Aamir explained that his mother had prevented him from leaving the house due to the ongoing strike. When he informed the director of the play about his absence, he was met with an abrupt response. "He told me, 'Get out,' and I was devastated," Aamir recalled. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong, especially since he had been one of the hardest-working actors, handling physical tasks such as setting up the stage. "I was the most hardworking actor," he added, expressing his disappointment over the turn of events.Despite the setback, this moment proved to be a turning point in Aamir's career. In the midst of his disappointment, a friend named Niranjan Thade introduced him to another opportunity. Thade's friend, Bansal, was making a diploma film at the Pune Institute and needed an actor. Aamir, still eager for acting work, agreed to take part in the project. This decision led to more significant opportunities. After watching the film, another student recommended Aamir to director Ketan Mehta for the film Holi.It was Holi that marked Aamir's first feature film role. The success of this film caught the attention of filmmakers Mansoor Khan and Nasir Hussain, who saw potential in Aamir. "After watching Holi, Mansoor and Nasir sir decided that I could become an actor," Aamir shared. Reflecting on how fate had intervened, Aamir remarked that if Maharashtra had not been closed that day, he might never have found his way into film.Aamir Khan's role in Holi led to a string of film opportunities, and his career skyrocketed with the release of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). The actor, known for his versatility, has since become one of Bollywood's most respected figures, with his most recent project being Laal Singh Chaddha.