Posoidan’s Weblog

Buoyed by the box-office collection of Ghajini, actor filmmaker Aamir Khan said it indicates the success of a film.

“For me, the feeling that my hard work has been appreciated is priceless as I go by my instinct while choosing a script. When I hear a script, I react as an audience,” he said.

It is very difficult to define the potential of any film. “I did Taare Zameen Par because I loved the story. I had no idea that it would do the business that it eventually did, Aamir said while celebrating Ghajini’s success as it grossed Rs 200-crore worldwide.

“When I was offered the film, I was sceptic and felt that Salman or Akshay with a well-built could do better. But, it was Surya, the lead actor in the Tamil version, who convinced me that only I could do justice to the role. That is how I got the confidence to go ahead,” said the actor.

Aamir admitted that Ghajini’s success had put him under pressure to deliver the same in his forthcoming movies. “Success is not in my hands. I can only follow my heart and work with all the sincerity and hard work that I always do. I would be happy if my next film 3 Idiots breaks all Ghajini records.”

Toiling hard for the eight-pack abs for Ghajini, Aamir said it had been a “testing time” for him during his one year of training. “I had to stretch myself to a limit. Losing the physique is also equally strenuous. I have to sport a lean look for 3 Idiots and I am now in the process of losing weight,” he added.

“Ghajini had a pan-India potential and was marketed well. Also, audiences had not seen a good action film for a long time”, he said.

According to Aamir, late Sunil Dutt had inspired him to take his job as a challenge and with determination as he was always ready to risk his life for the sake of a good shot. “This has inspired me to choose the most unusual films,” he said.

On his dream project of bringing the epic Mahabharata on the silver screen, Aamir said it required massive preparations, research and commitment. “I would love to do it. But not in immediate future. Karna is an ideal role to play, but I do not fit in the role due to my physical appearance. I think I can do Krishna’s role,” a witty Aamir said.

Several countries had issued advisories for their citizens in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks but many of them have toned these down, Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said.

Paying homage to those who were killed, including the security officials, in the attacks, Soni said this mayhem was perpetrated by those who do not want Indian economy to grow at 8-9 per cent.

“They are against the secular fibre of the country. We will bounce back. It is encouraging to note that the hotels run by the Tata and Oberoi groups will reopen on Dec 21,” Soni said at a meeting of the National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC) and the stakeholders of the industry. .

Over 170 people were killed, including 26 foreigners, after 10 terrorists, who India says came from Pakistan, attacked several spots in Mumbai on the night of Nov 26 and laid siege at two five-star hotels.

The council meeting was held to discuss the problems faced by the industry in the aftermath of the Mumbai attack as well as the global meltdown. 

More than 60 representatives from the hospitality, travel and tour sectors and senior state tourism officials attended the meet.

Soni said: “Some countries issued travel advisories to their citizens immediately after the Mumbai attacks, but now these advisories have been toned down.”

“India is holding its place in the world on its own and the recent high-profile visits of the Russian President and other dignitaries to India have proved that world community has faith in our country,” she said.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited India earlier this month as did British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.

The return of the English cricket team for a Test series and the successful organisation of the Volvo boat race in Kochi further added to India’s credence on safety parameters, she added.

Harry Potter actress Emma Watson says she won’t mind baring all for a movie. The 18-year-old said she would be picky about her next film, but would love to work with an arty Italian director like Bernardo Bertolucci, according to reports.

Asked if she would strip for a role, she replied: “Yes – for him (Bernardo Bertolucci). It depends. I’m not getting my kit off any time soon, but it is part of my job.”

Emma features in The Tale of Despereaux, which was premiered on Sunday and she turned eyeballs at the red carpet event. She also talked about university plans saying: “I have enough to hold me together without fame.”