The Impact of a Missed Call: How Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar Preserved Farhan Akhtar's Career
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During the ongoing Aamir Khan: Cinema Ka Jadugar festival, Javed Akhtar recounted a fascinating story about his relationship with Aamir Khan and how a seemingly minor choice significantly influenced Farhan Akhtar's early career. The festival commenced on March 14, coinciding with Aamir's birthday, and will continue until March 27, honoring Aamir's substantial contributions to Indian cinema by showcasing his legendary films across the country.
Javed Akhtar reflected on their enduring relationship, highlighting its distinctiveness and the circumstances of their initial meeting in the 1970s. He remarked, “It’s an unusual and surprising relationship. I entered the film industry in 1973, the same year Aamir was born. He made his acting debut at the age of eight in the film Yaadon Ki Baaraat, which was penned by Salim-Javed.” Akhtar recounted their first encounter when the young actor was engaged in his continuity book, noting that he recognized Aamir's remarkable talent from the outset.
He reminisced about a particular moment that reinforced his confidence in Aamir's promising future: “While I was writing a script in Khandala, I learned that Nasir Sahab (Nasir Hussain) was also staying there. Upon meeting him, I noticed a boy in the corner diligently working on the continuity book. I inquired about the boy, and Nasir Sahab informed me, ‘That’s Tahir’s son. He’s my assistant.’ I responded, ‘Why is he an assistant? This boy is a star! He’s a superstar, and you should be making films with him.’”
Javed Akhtar recounted how, during a later phase of Aamir Khan's career, he recommended that the young actor embark on his journey with a romantic film, which would complement his inherent charm and charisma. "I advised Nasir Sahab that Aamir should launch his career with a romantic screenplay penned by you, and ultimately, that is precisely what transpired."
The discussion then transitioned to a pivotal moment in Farhan Akhtar’s professional life. Javed reminisced about the occasion when Farhan, after completing the script for his directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai, approached him for feedback. "Farhan presented me with the script of Dil Chahta Hai and requested, ‘Please take a look at this.’ Upon reviewing it, I noted that it featured three lead characters, and I expressed my doubts. ‘You’re a newcomer; how will you manage to secure three actors for this project?’ I inquired. However, Farhan exuded confidence, assuring me, ‘It’s all arranged.’"
Years later, Aamir Khan revealed to me that Farhan had approached him to discuss the script, and it was through Farhan's mention that Aamir recognized him as my son. Aamir informed him, "I’m not considering any scripts at the moment." After Farhan departed, Aamir anticipated a call from me within ten days, believing I would eventually reach out. When that call did not come, his curiosity intensified, leading him to think, "This young man hasn’t shared anything with his father." Consequently, Aamir contacted Farhan again, reviewed the script, and promptly agreed to participate. Javed Akhtar later humorously noted, "Had I made that call, Farhan’s career would have faced significant setbacks."
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