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Actor Aamir Ali’s performance in Disney Plus Hotstar’s web series ‘Lootera’ is being praised a lot. This series is directed by Hansal Mehta’s son Jai Mehta. Aamir Ali started his career with modeling. He wanted to make a career in films, but when he was not successful in films, he worked in TV with a heavy heart. Aamir believes that TV gave him everything. There came a time when he used to work on TV considering it a picnic. But after the arrival of OTT, he is now working for passion. Recently, during a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Aamir talked about his career and nepotism.
What was your reaction when you were approached for the first time for the web series ‘Lootera’?
The producer of this show Shailesh Singh told me about this show for the first time. He said that we are working together, but he did not tell me what the role is in it. After that, casting director Mukesh Chhabra called and said that the director of the show, Jai Mehta, wants to meet. I had done the film ‘Faraaz’ with Hansal Mehta sir. I was wanting to work with him for a long time. I don’t think there is anyone better than Hansal Mehta on OTT.
There has also been a discussion that you have performed the stunt scenes yourself in the series?
I had to do a car chase in an action sequence. The action director told me I had to do the stunt myself. I told him Khayelitsha was one of the most dangerous places. Still he asked me to do it. After five days when we finished the action sequence, I found out that the stuntman was scared to come to Khayelitsha. So I had to do it myself. Later I found out that I was fooled.
Do you feel that with the advent of OTT, a lot of changes have come about; talented artists like you have started getting good opportunities?
Look, I don’t know about talent. But yes, when I started watching OTT, I had decided that I want to do shows like ‘The Trial’ and ‘Lootere’. I am doing OTT with such makers with whom I wanted to work. The first show I watched for OTT was ‘Breaking Bad’. I liked that show very much. I want to do something like that.
After modelling, films, TV, now you are doing OTT, which one did you enjoy?
I enjoyed everything. Shooting is always like a picnic for me. When I started doing TV, I got very bored within a year. Because I had to do films too. I did not get breaks in TV. I used to shoot 25 days a month. Then I started treating the shooting location as a picnic. I thought that I am not shooting, but enjoying a picnic on the producer’s money. OTT is different for me, I am doing it for passion.
What is the secret of your fitness?
Khushi, I always try to be happy. Stress is there in everyone’s life. But I believe that whatever you have achieved in life, try to be happy with it.
How did you come into the field of acting?
I did not want to become an actor. I used to work as a cabin crew in Sahara Airlines. But I had decided that I would not do this job forever. I wanted to do creative work behind the camera in the industry. People often used to tell me why don’t you try modeling. I started modeling to pass time. During that time, I did not even realize when I fell in love with acting.
How did you get a break in films?
I got a break in films because of modelling. My first film was ‘Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai’. Even after that I did a few more films, but they could not be released. After that, I started working on TV with a heavy heart. Because at that time I had no money and it was necessary to work for survival. TV gave me everything.
Has it ever happened that you had to struggle for work?
I don’t believe in struggle. When I was modeling, some of my friends used to tell me that I was going to struggle. I didn’t go everywhere. I didn’t go for auditions, but to get work. When I thought of becoming an actor, I made up my mind that I have to work hard. I don’t have to struggle. I try to do good work. I don’t run after work. I am happy with whatever I get. Whatever work I do, I do it with all my heart.
You seem to have a very good bonding with Remo D’Souza, what do you have to say about your friendship in the industry?
Remo has been my friend for many years. We have never worked together till date. If there is something for us, he will surely give us work. I have never asked for work in person. He is a very good choreographer, director. He is an even better human being. Our relationship is like family. We are also good friends with Kavita Kaushik, we worked together for a long time in the serial ‘FIR’.
What do you like about the industry? What is the one thing you would like to change?
If you are talented and want to do good work, then someday you will get work. Yes, it will definitely take time. It can take three months or three years. The bad thing I feel is that it can take you 10 years to succeed in the industry. Here no one knows how much time it will take to succeed.
People talk about nepotism. I think it is true. If you are born in that family, you will definitely get that privilege. My mom is a banker. If I had to go to the bank, she would have definitely supported me. I would have got a good opportunity. In the industry too, people will support their children.