Aamir Khan Shares Candid Insights on ‘The Art of Acting’ at WAVES 2025

Mumbai: Bollywood icon Aamir Khan brought his signature humility and wisdom to the stage at WAVES 2025, offering budding performers an intimate glimpse into his approach to acting during a much-anticipated session titled “The Art of Acting” at the Creatosphere segment of the summit.

Speaking with disarming honesty, Khan began by admitting, “I am not a trained actor. I wanted to go to the National School of Drama, but couldn’t. I have picked up tips along the way, and these work for me.” What followed was a masterclass rooted in decades of hands-on experience, passion, and discipline.

The actor, known for transformative performances in films like Lagaan, Dangal, and Taare Zameen Par, emphasized that an actor’s first responsibility is to get into the mind of the character. “I spend a lot of time with the script. I read it again and again. If it’s a good script, it will tell you everything — the character’s attitude, body language, emotions — it’s all in there,” he said, underscoring the importance of script immersion and director collaboration.

Khan also revealed his methodical preparation routine, confessing to a “weak memory” — which he combats by handwriting dialogues, focusing first on the most challenging scenes. “I memorize the dialogues by doing them every day for 3-4 months. They must become a part of you. When they were written, they belonged to the writer. But when you say them — they must be yours,” he explained.

Aamir also shared what he considers one of the toughest aspects of acting: retakes. “An actor must repeat scenes with the same emotional intensity. That’s the challenge,” he said, offering the powerful advice that “the more honest you are, the better you will perform.”

Interestingly, the star revealed that he never practices in front of a mirror. Instead, he visualizes scenes beforehand, mentally preparing himself to inhabit the world of the character.

Discussing the evolution of cinema, Aamir noted how AI is reshaping the industry, observing that today, actors can be added into scenes digitally after filming, thanks to emerging technologies. While acknowledging this innovation, he reaffirmed that authentic emotional expression remains irreplaceable.

When asked about his personal favorite film, Khan named Taare Zameen Par, calling it a project that “taught many parents to be patient, empathetic, and supportive of their children.”

On what makes a good script, the actor had a clear take: “A strong script will always have a clear premise. The goal must be established within the first ten percent of the story, or the audience’s interest is lost.”

Concluding his talk, Aamir delivered perhaps the most impactful tip for those working in film:

“Do what the scene demands. Don’t just focus on your part. Filmmaking is a collaborative art.”

The session left attendees inspired, with Aamir Khan once again proving that true artistry lies not just in talent, but in dedication, humility, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling.