Aamir Khan, Sonali Bendre, and Naseeruddin Shah convened to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sarfarosh recently. Delve into Aamir’s reflections on his portrayal. Sarfarosh remains enshrined in the hearts of aficionados as one of his most illustrious cinematic ventures. The luminary graced a special screening of the action-packed thriller in Mumbai, alongside the film’s ensemble, featuring Sonali Bendre and Naseeruddin Shah. Amidst the soirée, Aamir eloquently articulated the disparity between his depiction of a law enforcement officer and the conventional archetype portrayed in cinema. He divulged a lingering remorse, a poignant echo from the past that still resonates within him.
In the midst of this interaction, Aamir remarked, “This observation may indeed hold true for mainstream cinema. Consider, for instance, the masterpiece crafted by Govind ji [Nihalani], Ardha Satya. A splendid portrayal of law enforcement. Yet, in the realm of mainstream cinema, such profundity akin to Sarfarosh is a rarity.” Aamir expounded on the distinctiveness of his character, juxtaposing it against the prevalent tropes ubiquitous in the industry. “Herein lies the essence of the film’s prowess. Whenever I encounter a constable, they unfailingly extol the virtues of Sarfarosh. Its authenticity resonates deeply. This, I attribute to the potency of the narrative and the astuteness of John [Matthew Matthan] as a director. He masterfully preserved its authenticity while infusing it with an aura of excitement and suspense.”
Reflecting on his journey, Aamir confessed to a lingering regret. “During the filming, a disquieting thought lingered within me. I was concurrently engaged in a couple of other projects, which precluded me from trimming my hair to the extent I desired. This realization perturbed me deeply. Even now, as I revisit the film, I find myself contemplating, ‘Could we not have revisited these scenes?’ Fortunately, given the nature of my character, clad in civilian attire, we managed to navigate this constraint.” John acknowledged the limitations inherent in portraying a figure within the law enforcement domain. A wistful smile adorned Aamir’s countenance as he mused over this revelation, acknowledging that prior disclosure could have alleviated his apprehensions.
Naseeruddin Shah interjected with a profound observation, “And if not Aamir Khan, who else in Bollywood could have shattered the conventional mold of the policeman?” The audience erupted in applause, acknowledging the profundity of the thespian’s remark.
Sarfarosh, a cinematic ode to an Indian police officer’s crusade against cross-border terrorism, garnered widespread acclaim. Aamir’s portrayal of Ajay Singh Rathod, pitted against the formidable antagonist Gulfam Hassan, portrayed by Naseeruddin Shah, stood as a testament to his prowess. The film clinched the coveted National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Aamir’s forthcoming endeavor, Sitaare Zameen Par, featuring luminaries such as Genelia Deshmukh and Darsheel Safary, beckons with anticipation.
