Aamir Khan Addresses On-Screen Dynamic with Fatima Sana Shaikh: “Na Main Uska Baap Hoon, Na Uska Boyfriend”

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has once again set the record straight regarding his on-screen equation with actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, emphatically stating, “Na main uska baap hoon, na uska boyfriend (I am neither her father nor her boyfriend in real life). We are just making a film.” This direct clarification comes in response to lingering discussions, particularly concerning their casting in the 2018 film Thugs of Hindostan after previously portraying a father-daughter duo in the critically acclaimed Dangal.

Khan’s statement highlights a fundamental aspect of acting – the ability of performers to embody diverse roles, irrespective of their real-life relationships or previous on-screen portrayals. The actor, known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, explained that the decision to cast Fatima Sana Shaikh in Thugs of Hindostan was a professional one, driven by her suitability for the role.

He revealed that the makers of Thugs of Hindostan, producer Aditya Chopra and director Vijay Krishna Acharya, initially faced challenges in finding a female lead for the film, with several prominent actresses, including Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Shraddha Kapoor, having declined the part. It was only after extensive auditions that Fatima Sana Shaikh was chosen for the role of Zafira.

However, Aamir Khan acknowledged that the Dangal connection did present a dilemma for the filmmakers. “This was another issue that Adi and Victor had,” he shared in a recent interview, adding that their initial concern was that an audience might find it difficult to accept a romantic track between Khan and Shaikh, given their previous father-daughter dynamic. As a result, the romantic angle between their characters in Thugs of Hindostan was ultimately removed from the script.

Aamir Khan, however, maintains a more pragmatic view, emphasizing the distinction between reel and real life. He cited historical examples in Indian cinema, pointing out that legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Waheeda Rehman have successfully played both mother and son as well as lovers in different films. “Audience is not this stupid that they will think that he is the actual father. We are underestimating our audience if we say that,” Khan asserted, highlighting the audience’s maturity and ability to differentiate between fiction and reality.

The actor’s comments underscore the professional nature of their collaboration and serve to dispel any persistent rumors or speculation surrounding their personal relationship. Both Aamir Khan and Fatima Sana Shaikh have, over time, consistently clarified that their bond is one of friendship and professional respect. In recent times, Aamir Khan has also openly discussed his current relationship with Gauri Spratt, further demonstrating that his personal life is separate from his professional choices.

Ultimately, Aamir Khan’s candid remarks reinforce the artistry of acting, where performers transform to inhabit different characters, and remind the audience to appreciate the craft without conflating on-screen dynamics with real-life connections.