Kiran Rao opens up on using Aamir Khan’s star power; says, “I vasoolo his star power, wherever I can”

Aamir Khan's ex-wife Kiran Rao talks utilizing his star power for Laapataa Ladies.

February 29, 2024 - 6:41 PM IST

Aamir Khan and his ex-wife, filmmaker Kiran Rao, are currently in the spotlight as they are promoting her upcoming directorial venture, Laapataa Ladies. The comedy-drama, jointly produced by Aamir and Kiran, is set to hit theatres on March 1.

Kiran Rao opens up on using Aamir Khan’s star power; says, “I vasoolo his star power, wherever I can”

In a recent conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Kiran Rao shared insights into the film's development, shedding light on Aamir Khan's interest in a pivotal role. She said, “He (Aamir Khan) wanted to play Inspector, Ravi Kishan's character. And you know he would have been great. Honestly, it would have made a huge difference in the box office and all the rest of it. So, in many ways, I keep being asked, ‘Arey aapne Aamir Khan ko nahi liya? [You didn't cast Aamir Khan]?' So it is true.”

Explaining her decision further, Kiran emphasized the importance of maintaining the character's unpredictability and realism, traits she felt Ravi Kishan embodied effortlessly. She shared, “It was a bit of a dilemma honestly, because you know he is a great actor. He is a superstar, so he would put bums on seats, as they call it. I just felt like you know his being a big superstar would have changed your perception or the expectation from the rule. Actually, the beauty of the character is his unpredictability, you don't know what he is going to do next. And with Aamir somewhere subconsciously, being the kind of star he is, there would have been I felt some pressure on the character. Also, Ravi Kishan is just such an organic fit. He is so good with his puns. He knows those people. He is very very real in that space.”

Reflecting on their production choices, Kiran highlighted Aamir's innate ability to discern compelling narratives, underscoring his commitment to storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. “I think it is important for Aamir because he is the one who finally decides what AKP (Aamir Khan Production) makes. I think the story chooses him rather than he chooses the story. I think Aamir organically understands stories, and human beings quite well. And can tell when a story has that kernel of like you know magic that will make it in the cinema. I suppose playing certain characters just excites him. Everybody told him during Dangal, ‘You are going to be an overweight uncle. You know what you are doing?' But it was such a great character for him that he couldn't resist him. And I think stories are like that, they become irresistible. Even so, Taare Zameen Par would not have been made by many people. But the story was irresistible,” Kiran said.

Kiran further confessed using Aamir’s star power to promote her films. She said, “I fully use him. I vasoolo his star power, wherever I can. I am like ‘You are here please stand and give us three pictures'. Yeah, we have a small film. I really need to do everything I can to tell people ‘Bhaiya pehli March ko arahi hai. Dekhiye Aamir Khan ne banayi hai. Inki film hai. Aayiye dekhiye. [This film is made by Aamir Khan. It is hitting the theatres on March 1. It is his film. Please come and watch it].' So you know, I use him shamelessly.”

Presented by Jio Studios, Laapataa Ladies is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande. The film, which stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav along with Ravi Kishan, is releasing on March 1, 2024, and has been made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, with the script based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. The screenplay and dialogue are written by Sneha Desai, while the additional dialogues have been jotted down by Divyanidhi Sharma.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kiran Rao on maintaining great relationship with Aamir Khan even after divorce: “He has his life and I have mine but we are very much family”