Superstar Aamir Khan says he enjoys reading books on film celebrities even though the stories aren’t 100 per cent accurate.
Aamir was at the launch of “Music, Masti, Modernity – The Cinema of Nasir Husain”, a book based on the legendary filmmaker and his uncle Nasir Husain, at the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star here on Saturday.
Sporting denims, specs with a black frame and ear pieces, the superstar attended the book launch along with Nasir Husain’s children Mansoor Khan and Nuzhat Khan.
“I have not read this one (the book penned by Akshay Manwani) as I was busy with ‘Dangal’ (his upcoming film). I love reading film books. I have read on actors Nargis, Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt. I drink them up,” said Aamir at the event.
“I have read a lot of books on films. Not just on Indians. There was one on Billy Wilder (filmmaker). It was superb. People like Akshay take the trouble to take us to another world. I understand that sometimes, a few facts are left and right. They aren’t 100 per cent right. It’s not possible also, but they manage to take me to that world and I love it,” he added.
Talking about the filmmaker, Aamir said that while growing up, it didn’t occur to him that Nasir Husain was famous. “He was so normal despite being one of the successful filmmakers of his time.”
Mansoor added that he knew his father was special, but was not “filmy”.
Nuzhat also shared how much her father enjoyed western music, so much that he had a turntable in his car.
Though he comes from an illustrious family, Aamir shared that he never wanted his uncle or his father Tahir to take the responsibility to launch him as an actor.
“I didn’t want to be a burden on them. I used to do diploma in films. I never mentioned to Nasir saab or my father about my acting desire,” he said.
But ultimately, actress Shabana Azmi and popular lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar noticed his talent.
Then one day, Nasir Husain introduced Aamir to someone saying that he is going to be the star of his next film.
Aamir went on to make his Bollywood acting debut in “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak”, helmed by Mansoor.
Veteran actress Asha Parekh, who worked with Nasir Husain on films like “Teesri Manzil”, “Dil Deke Dekho” and “Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai”, was also spotted at the book launch.
The filmmaker’s grandson and actor Imran Khan marked his presence as well.
He said: “I never really saw him as a filmmaker. He was my nana (grandfather). He loved to tell stories every evening.”
