It is difficult to relentlessly pay close attention to detail with diligence and passion towards offering the best in front of the camera. As an actor Aamir Khan has done just that, devoting time and attention to every project he has undertaken. His refreshingly down-to-earth persona combined with the passionate intensity with which he tackles every role has earned him undying love and respect from the audience.

A scion of a prominent film industry family, Aamir had an early exposure to the industry. This involvement resulted in an early beginning as assistant director on Nasir Hussain's Manzil Manzil and Zabardast.

While in college itself, Aamir developed an active interest in theatre. He joined the theatre group, 'Avantar' under director Mahendra Joshi, working backstage as well as acting in two plays, Kesar Bina (in Gujarati), and Clearing House (English). It was, however, his soul-mate and cousin, Mansoor Khan, who finally saw his true potential and cast him as the male lead in the tremendously successful debut film, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Aamir had already dabbled in a bit in cinema via his roles in Ketan Mehta's Holi and was accustomed to facing the camera. His confidence and youthful demeanor combined with a great face won him a fan following that an actor could only dream of.

Aamir never looked back after his commercial debut, both as a star, and as an actor. Looking at every film as a learning process led him seek like-minded individuals as directors, and to do only a limited number of assignments with conviction. The unforgettable characters that he portrayed in films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Dil, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Andaaz Apna Apna, Rangeela, Raja Hindustani, Ghulam, 1947 - Earth, Sarfarosh, Dil Chahta Hai, Lagaan, Mangal Pandey - The Rising, Rang De Basanti and Fanaaa have left an indelible impression on cinegoers.

Aamir's last few films have cemented his position as a thinking actor and a top-ranking star. Ghulam (1998) had Aamir portraying a street-smart misguided youth, Siddharth Marathe, who transforms himself from a rogue to a humanist. In the same film, Aamir also belted out the phenomenally popular track, 'Aati kya Khandala,' whose popularity made it the film anthem of the year. With Sarfarosh (1999), Aamir shifted tracks and portrayed an upright IPS Officer, ACP Rathod, who treasures his country more than anything else. And in Deepa Mehta's 1947 Earth (1999) one sees the versatile Aamir as Dilnawaz, who is left scarred and bitter after the partition. Dilnawaz's trasition from the fun-loving and lovelorn ice candy man into a diabolic and vindictive man is portrayed brilliantly by the actor. Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai (2001) saw a new look Aamir proving he was the Nation's premiere youth icon, with his look redefining style in Indian cinema forever.

Aamir's versatility is defined by his impressive repertoire, making him an actor who has always taken the road less traveled. This was especially evident in Lagaan (2001), also his debut home production. Set against the backdrop of Queen Victoria's British Raj, the story takes place in the small village of Champaner. A tale of extraordinary circumstances thrust upon ordinary people, it revolves around Bhuvan, a simple but defiant villager who takes on the might of the British Raj by accepting a challenge that looks impossible to deliver upon. This was also Aamir's first foray into the world of film production.

Then came the much awaited Mangal Pandey - The Rising, a mammoth project, which was one of the most expensive films shot in India, and was set against the backdrop of the East India Company, and the first uprising of 1857. With Rang De Basanti, Aamir portrays the role of DJ, a youngster who passed out from college five years back, but still wants to be a part of the University, because he doesn't think there is too much out there in the real world to look forward to. DJ takes the journey of a 'guy' oblivious to where his future was going, to a man awakened. He traces an extraordinary journey of smiles, realizations and the inevitable truth of life - growing up.

Aamir's other interest (besides films and films and films) include the whole wide world of sports, chess and reading. He has just completed his directorial debut with the film Taare Zameen Par, which promises the kind of quality entertainment that Aamir has become synonymous with.