Before he captivated millions as a leading man, a young Aamir Khan was diligently learning the ropes behind the camera. His journey into the intricate world of filmmaking began as an assistant director, notably on his uncle Nasir Hussain’s cinematic ventures like the 1984 film *Manzil Manzil* and the 1985 drama *Zabardast*. It was on the sets of *Zabardast* that an unforgettable encounter unfolded, one that pitted the budding filmmaker against the formidable presence of late acting legend, Amrish Puri. This intense moment, marked by a sharp reprimand and an unexpected apology, was recently recounted by Khan in an interview with The Lallantop, offering a rare glimpse into the early making of a perfectionist.
The Unseen Tensions on the ‘Zabardast’ Set
Aamir Khan, even in his nascent stages in Bollywood, was known for his keen eye for detail. This meticulous nature, often a boon, became the catalyst for a tense standoff. He vividly recalled a particular scene involving Amrish Puri during the filming of *Zabardast*. Puri, a veteran actor known for his commanding screen presence, was grappling with his lines and, more critically, a specific continuity point: his hand needed to be precisely placed on a telephone receiver.
The pressure of performance, coupled with repeated takes, began to visibly irritate the celebrated actor. Aamir, ever observant and committed to his role as assistant director, found himself repeatedly reminding Puri about the crucial hand placement. This persistent guidance, while professional, clearly frayed Puri’s patience.
Amrish Puri’s Formidable Roar and Aamir’s Silence
As the continuity error persisted across rehearsals and takes, Aamir continued his gentle but firm reminders. The air on set thickened with unspoken tension. Finally, Amrish Puri, his deep, resonant voice, which Khan likened to the rumbling of a “motorcycle, khat khat khat khat!”, erupted. “Haan haan pata hai, haath phone par, baar baar bolrahe ho,” Puri barked, his frustration palpable.
The sudden, thunderous reprimand from the imposing actor sent a ripple of silence across the entire set. Every eye turned towards the young assistant director. Aamir Khan recounted the profound impact of that moment. “Mujhe bada bura laga aur gussa bhi aaya,” he confessed, expressing a mix of hurt and indignation. He was simply doing his job, ensuring the consistency of the shot, yet he had been publicly scolded. The burgeoning artist, feeling deeply wronged, retreated into a stunned silence.
Nasir Hussain’s Masterful Intervention
The silence on the set, thick with unspoken discomfort, lingered for several agonizing seconds. It was a moment pregnant with tension, an uncomfortable standoff between a seasoned star and a diligent young talent. Then, a calm, measured voice cut through the stillness. It was Nasir Hussain, the film’s director and Aamir’s uncle, who spoke with incredible wisdom and tact. He didn’t directly challenge Puri but rather addressed the situation subtly, defending his assistant while acknowledging the actor’s position.
“Amrish ji,” Hussain began, “I told my assistant that even if the actor scolds you, *vo apna kaam karein* (they should do their work).” This simple yet profound statement was a masterstroke, a subtle validation of Aamir’s professionalism without diminishing Puri’s authority. The effect was immediate and astonishing.
A Legend’s Humility: “Sorry Beta”
The very moment Nasir Hussain uttered those words, a remarkable transformation occurred. The formidable Amrish Puri, moments after his outburst, turned to Aamir Khan, his demeanor softening. The tension dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. With genuine remorse, he offered a sincere and humble apology: “Sorry beta.” This swift gesture of humility from a titan of Indian cinema left an indelible mark on the young Aamir Khan, teaching him perhaps one of the most important lessons about grace and professionalism in an industry often fraught with ego.
The film *Zabardast*, directed by Nasir Hussain, ultimately brought together a constellation of stars including Sanjeev Kumar, Sunny Deol, Rajiv Kapoor, Rati Agnihotri, and Jaya Prada. Yet, it’s these candid, behind-the-scenes moments, revealing the human drama and professional integrity, that truly etch themselves into the annals of Bollywood history.
