Aamir Khan remembers his brief encounter with the late Smita Patil on her death anniversary

Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; December 13, 2010)

Bollywood’s numero uno Aamir Khan, who is a good ten years younger than Smita Patil, met the legendary actress just once in his life. It was way back in the 80s, when he was assisting his uncle, film-maker Nasir Hussain. “I still remember Smitaji was shooting on an adjacent set. After pack-up, she dropped in on our set to speak to Nasir saab. I had heard so much about her. I adored her in Bazaar. I was a huge fan of Smitaji and I was curious to get a closer look at her. I ran to serve her chai.”

Of course, as destiny willed it, years later Prateik was given a break by Aamir Khan in Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. And he is also the leading man of Kiran Rao’s Dhobi Ghat. Says Aamir, “Whenever I see Prateik I am reminded of Smita. He has the same intensity, similar eyes and smile. The camera loves the boy.’’

Getting slightly nostalgic, Aamir adds, “I feel for Prateik, the way I feel for Imran. This is perhaps, because he has done a couple of movies with our banner. Prateik is committed, really hardworking and an ideal actor. He learns his lines, he does his preparation before he comes on set…and I can see that he enjoys the movies. I think his true potential as an actor is still to be discovered but he is growing with each film.’’

Aamir feels that if Smita Patil had been around, she would be a very proud More >