Sitaare Zameen Par writer says Aamir never interfered: He respects the written word

India Today

4 hours ago

Aamir Khan's latest release 'Sitaare Zameen Par' created a stir at the box office, having already earned over Rs 160 crore. The superstar also took a bold move by having a cinema-only release, which, as per trade experts, was the ace-card to the film's success.While the performances, especially by people with neurodivergent conditions, impressed audiences, it was also the sweet and simple writing by Divy Nidhi Sharma that made an impact. In an exclusive chat with India Today, the writer opened up about the film, why they took the humour lane for this emotional drama and whether Aamir Khan is the interfering actor, as it's rumoured to be.advertisementWhen we asked the writer if Aamir Khan, touted to be a perfectionist, interfered in the creative process of his writers and director, he replied with a firm no. Talking about his experience and interaction with the superstar, Sharma said, "Honestly, I had also heard about these things, but after being part of 'Laapataa Ladies' writing team, and now 'Sitaare Zameen Par', I can assure that while he remains involved, there is no interference."
He added, "Because I was also on set during the shoot, I can even say from Prasanna's side that there was zero interference. It was perhaps one of the finest experiences of our lives. He does take time to trust, but when it's been built, it's a smooth ride. Even if he has a counterpoint, it never came from Aamir Khan as there was room for discussion and debate, and he was even more than willing to concede. He is one of the few actors who respects the written word. Even if he had to change a comma, he would ask the writer, and not once did he impose himself on the director." Several reviews stated that the film was trying to push the message too loudly. It tried to underline every emotion and expression for people to comprehend, almost as if doubting their intelligence. Defending his work, Divy Nidhi Sharma said that he, too, read those reviews, only carried by the 'elite English press'. He said, "I am an Indian writer, and also a typical audience. We like our emotions to be underlined.""Even in the last scene, many felt that Aamir need not have had a dialogue, but as an audience, and a writer, I instinctively felt that he needed to say something. I would like to believe that the majority of the audience shared that emotion. Today, a lot of reviewers have gone so far from the public; they don't speak their language. They are physically compelled to be in Mumbai, but their minds have already shifted to New York (laughs). Even then, I have taken their feedback, and I hope they will like my work in the next projects," he elaborated.Even though at the core it's an emotional drama, 'Sitaare Zameen Par's' humour was much appreciated. The writer shared that they didn't want to show these characters as "sorry figures". "We didn't want to make them cry or force audiences to cry with or for them. And secondly, we didn't even want to put them on any pedestal. We treated them how we would treat any neurotypical character; we didn't want to put them in a bracket. We gave them regular attributes and even flaws. Hence, it's all very situational humour based around their kind of normal. If you've seen the film, it's Gulshan who is the butt of all jokes. It's always laudable for Aamir sir, because he's always done saviour roles, so it was also refreshing for the audience," Sharma added.Directed by RS Prasanna, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' also stars Genelia D'souza. It's still running in theatres, almost four weeks since its release.- EndsTrending Reel
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