Aamir Khan Opens Up About ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ and ‘Thugs of Hindostan’ Failures: ‘I Cried for Weeks’
In a candid revelation, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has shared his emotional turmoil following the box office failures of his films ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ and ‘Thugs of Hindostan’. Speaking at an ABP event, Khan disclosed that the underperformance of these movies led him into a state of depression, during which he cried for two to three weeks.
Emotional Impact of Box Office Failures
Khan, known for his dedication to the craft of filmmaking, expressed profound sadness over the lackluster performance of the aforementioned films. He admitted to being deeply emotional and affected by these setbacks, stating, “I was very sad at that time. I’m very emotional too. ‘Thugs of Hindostan’ was a weak film; we couldn’t make what we intended. Filmmaking is a challenging task, and sometimes we fail to achieve what we set out to create.”
Learning from Mistakes
Despite the emotional distress, Khan emphasized the importance of learning from failures. He believes that acknowledging and analyzing mistakes is crucial for personal and professional growth. “It doesn’t mean we don’t know our work; we should learn from our mistakes,” he remarked.
Reflecting on ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’
Discussing ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, an official adaptation of the Hollywood classic ‘Forrest Gump’, Khan reflected on his performance and the film’s reception. He noted that the movie heavily relied on the lead actor’s portrayal and admitted, “I think my acting pitch was quite high. In the original film, Tom Hanks did such a wonderful job. He took everyone on a journey; I couldn’t do that.”
Coping with Depression
Khan revealed that the disappointment from these films’ failures led him into a depressive state, during which he found it challenging to function and would often cry. However, after a period of mourning, he would convene with his team to dissect the failures and understand where they went wrong. “When my films don’t do well, I go into depression for two to three weeks. I can’t work properly; I just keep crying. After the mourning period is over, I call my team and try to understand where I made mistakes,” he shared.
The Journey of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’
‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, released in August 2022, is the official Hindi remake of the 1994 Hollywood film ‘Forrest Gump’. The project was a labor of love for Khan, who acquired the rights to adapt the film in 2018. Despite the anticipation, the film did not perform as expected at the box office.
‘Thugs of Hindostan’ and Its Reception
Released in 2018, ‘Thugs of Hindostan’ was a high-budget period action film featuring an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif. Despite its grand scale and star-studded lineup, the film failed to impress critics and audiences alike, leading to its underperformance commercially.
Aamir Khan’s Commitment to Quality Cinema
Throughout his illustrious career, Aamir Khan has been celebrated for his commitment to quality cinema and his willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles. Films like ‘Lagaan’, ‘Taare Zameen Par’, and ‘Dangal’ have not only been commercial successes but have also garnered critical acclaim for their storytelling and performances.
The Importance of Resilience in the Film Industry
Khan’s openness about his emotional struggles highlights the pressures faced by artists in the film industry. His approach to dealing with failure—allowing himself to grieve before critically analyzing his work—serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Aamir Khan remains a pivotal figure in Bollywood, known for pushing cinematic boundaries and delivering compelling narratives. His reflections on these experiences underscore the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the importance of perseverance and continuous learning.
