28 years of Rangeela: Aamir Khan spent time with real life taporis to get into the character of Munna

As Rangeela clocks 28 years, we look back at one of Aamir Khan's best performances.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

September 8, 2023 - 2:53 PM IST

Rangeela, one of Aamir Khan’s most iconic films and most loved performances, turns 28 today! Over the years, the actor has taken on diverse roles, each characterized by an unmatched dedication to authenticity and precision. One such iconic portrayal was that of Munna in the cult classic Rangeela, directed by Ram Gopal Varma. But did you know the lengths to which Aamir went to perfect this role?

28 years of Rangeela: Aamir Khan spent time with real life taporis to get into the character of Munna

As we celebrate the anniversary of the timeless movie, it's time to revisit Aamir Khan's remarkable transformation as one of his most memorable characters Munna and how he effortlessly slipped into the skin of a Mumbai-based tapori.

Diving into the world of taporis:

Aamir Khan's commitment to his craft is legendary, and Rangeela stands as a testament to this commitment. To prepare for his role as Munna, a street-smart and flamboyant tapori, Aamir didn’t rely solely on scripts and rehearsals. He decided to go the extra mile – quite literally.

The actor spent considerable time immersing himself in the vibrant culture of Mumbai's slums. He mingled with real-life taporis, observing their mannerisms, language, and lifestyle up close. It wasn't just about mastering the dialogues; it was about understanding the very essence of the character he was about to portray.

Perfecting the diction:

One of the most striking aspects of Aamir Khan's performance in Rangeela was his impeccable Mumbai tapori diction. He didn't want his character's dialogues to sound rehearsed or artificial. Instead, he aimed for authenticity, and his efforts bore fruit. Munna's dialogues flowed naturally, as if he had grown up on the streets of Mumbai himself.

Mastering the body language:

Aamir's portrayal of Munna wasn't just about dialogue delivery; it extended to his body language as well. He worked tirelessly to mimic the swagger, confidence, and charm that define a tapori. The way he walked, talked, and carried himself on screen was a testament to his dedication to this role.

The convincing Munna:

When Rangeela hit the silver screen, audiences were treated to a character that felt incredibly genuine. Aamir Khan's portrayal of Munna was so convincing that it blurred the lines between reel and real. His transformation into a tapori was complete, and fans were left in awe of his dedication to the character.

A timeless character:

Even after all these years, Munna remains etched in the hearts of Bollywood enthusiasts. From the tapori's quirks to his emotional depth, Aamir brought it all to life with finesse.

Rangeela told the story of Munna, a ticket black marketeer, falling in love with the aspiring actress Mili, played by Urmila Matondkar. The only thorn in his path is the star actor Raj Kamal, essayed by Jackie Shroff.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: “Aamir Khan felt betrayed and it was my fault,” says Ram Gopal Varma recalling the Rangeela controversy