Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has boldly defended his choice to star in and produce remakes, stating that for him, adaptations offer a “new canvas” for creative expression. In a recent interview, the actor, whose upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par is a remake of the Spanish movie Campeones, addressed the ongoing debate surrounding remakes, asserting his commitment to exploring existing narratives throughout his career.
Khan, known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, has faced criticism, particularly after his last release, Laal Singh Chaddha, an official adaptation of Forrest Gump, which did not perform as expected at the box office. However, the actor remains unfazed by the backlash and firmly believes in the artistic merit of remakes.
“Remakes are a new canvas for me, I will do them all my life,” Aamir Khan stated emphatically. He questioned the prevailing notion that remakes signify a lack of originality, drawing a parallel to the timeless works of William Shakespeare. “Why is Shakespeare respected so much even today?” he pondered, highlighting that the legendary playwright’s works are constantly adapted across various art forms globally. “He is gone, write your own play. Why are you doing ‘Hamlet’ again? Why do you want to say, ‘To be or not to be’?”
Khan argued that adapting a story, even if it has been told before, allows him to infuse it with his unique perspective and energy, making it a fresh experience for his audience. He cited examples from his own filmography, such as Ghajini, which was a remake of a Tamil film, and even his early career hit Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, which was an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. He stressed that many of his biggest successes have been remakes.
Dismissing the idea that remakes are simply “cut and paste” jobs, Khan emphasized the immense effort and passion that goes into reimagining a story for a new cultural context. “If a cut and paste is so easy to do, then you do it, it’s just a cut and paste. But it’s not a cut and paste thing, you’ve to put your life into it,” he asserted.
With Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan aims to bring a meaningful narrative about neurodivergence to Indian audiences, a topic he feels is crucial for public discourse in the country. He maintained that his intention is to sensitize audiences and move forward with important social themes, irrespective of the story’s origin.
The actor also addressed the issue of online trolling, stating that he is not disturbed by negativity from those who resort to personal attacks or calls for boycotts. He stressed that his primary concern is the reaction of the “real audience” – those who genuinely engage with his work and offer their honest feedback.
As Aamir Khan gears up for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, his steadfast belief in the power of remakes as a creative avenue signals that audiences can expect more adapted stories from the “Perfectionist” in the future.