For years, whispers have circulated throughout Bollywood about Aamir Khan’s powerful influence on film sets, often leading to speculation that he tends to ‘take over’ projects or overshadow directors. These rumors found fertile ground, particularly after the acclaimed film *Taare Zameen Par*, where Khan ultimately assumed directorial duties from the movie’s original writer and director, Amole Gupte. Now, in a rare and candid revelation, Aamir Khan has shed light on the turbulent behind-the-scenes drama that culminated in his surprising decision to helm the beloved project.
A Friendship Forged in Theatre, A Script That Moved Mountains
During a revealing interview with Lallantop, Aamir recounted his long-standing friendship with Amole Gupte, a bond that stretched back to their shared school days and joint ventures in theatre. Gupte had mentioned a script he was developing, initially intending to approach actor Akshaye Khanna for the lead role. Curiosity piqued, Aamir offered to make a recommendation to Akshaye Khanna, subtly inquiring about the project’s details.
What followed was an unexpected turning point. As Aamir listened to the narrative of *Taare Zameen Par*, he found himself profoundly moved, tears streaming down his face. The story resonated deeply within him. “I really liked the story and I cried while hearing it,” Khan confessed. Overwhelmed by its emotional power, he posed a crucial question to Gupte: “Why are you not offering this film to me?” Amole, caught off guard, admitted he simply hadn’t considered Aamir would be interested in such a subject, paving the way for a collaboration that would soon test their friendship.
The Perfectionist’s Prerogative: Initial Doubts on Direction
The very first major point of contention between Aamir Khan and Amole Gupte revolved around the director’s chair. Amole expressed a strong desire to direct his own script, but Aamir, known for his meticulous eye and high standards, harbored significant reservations. He was brutally honest with Gupte, stating upfront, “I told Amole, if you want me to produce the film then you won’t be able to direct it because I don’t have the confidence in you as a director.” This blunt assessment set the stage for the escalating tensions.
Amole, steadfast in his vision, pleaded for a single opportunity to prove himself. Yet, the *Sarfarosh* actor remained unconvinced and refused point-blank. Reluctantly, Amole agreed to step back from direction, and the search for another suitable filmmaker began. During this period, Aamir himself wasn’t entirely satisfied with the screenplay’s concluding portions. He spent an intensive week collaborating with Amole, meticulously rewriting and refining the script.
A Faltering Faith: The Moment of Crisis
It was during this intense week of co-writing, witnessing Amole’s unwavering conviction and profound emotional connection to the story, that Aamir had a change of heart. Moved by Gupte’s passion, he decided to grant him the directorial chance he had initially denied. Amole Gupte, finally at the helm, commenced shooting *Taare Zameen Par* with the talented child actors, including the eventual lead, Darsheel Safary.
However, the brief period of optimism quickly dissipated. While Aamir wasn’t present on set during the initial week of filming, his production team grew increasingly concerned. Alarms were raised regarding Amole’s directorial approach, prompting them to urge Aamir to review the raw footage, or “rushes.” What Aamir witnessed left him deeply disheartened. He described the direction as “amateurish” and immediately knew a critical decision had to be made.
“Rushes were amateurish, according to me. I didn’t like the rushes at all,” Aamir candidly revealed. He confronted Amole Gupte directly, expressing his profound dissatisfaction. In a drastic move to resolve the impasse, Aamir even offered to withdraw from the film entirely, both as an actor and producer, committing to bear all financial expenses incurred during that problematic first week of shooting.
An Unbridgeable Chasm: The Final Confrontation
The core of the disagreement, Aamir explained, lay in their fundamentally different perceptions. While Aamir found the footage lacking, Amole Gupte, conversely, proclaimed the rushes to be “golden.” This stark contrast in artistic judgment proved insurmountable. “If he would have admitted that his work as a director is falling short, I would have given him a second chance,” Aamir lamented. “But at that time I realized our thinking is very different.”
With his confidence in Amole as a director completely shattered, Aamir conveyed his decision with stark finality. “I told Amole that my confidence in you as a director is finished. I am giving this subject back to you, make this film somewhere else. I can’t work on this as an actor or producer. I will write off all the expenses I have incurred on this.” Amole, despite his initial protests, eventually conceded, withdrawing from the director’s role himself.
Remarkably, amidst the chaos and the search for a new director, it was Amole Gupte who, in a twist of fate, suggested the most unlikely candidate: Aamir Khan himself. And so, the perfectionist took the reins, transforming *Taare Zameen Par* into the critically acclaimed and beloved cinematic masterpiece it is known as today, forever changing the trajectory of many lives, both on and off-screen.
