When Aamir Khan walked up to the stage to receive the National Award for Lagaan being adjudged the Best Film for Wholesome Entertainment in 2001 from the President, the audience did a double take to find him inappropriately dressed for the occasion. "What is this androgynous look for?" quipped a journalist.
Dressed in a jet black kurta and churidar (which resembled a shalwar) the Khan’s long tresses, puffed up face and koel-lined eyes made quite a sight. What made matters worse was the long queue of young women, children and men jostling each other to have a close dekho of their favourite actor.
It was later that the actor informed everyone of his new role in yet another historical, Shaheed Mangal Pandey which will be directed by Ketan Mehta, that most understood why he was so attired.
But unlike earlier when Khan used to acknowledge and appreciate his fans, this time around he didn’t even smile back as the swelling crowds went berserk and waved their hands in glee. Instead, the Khan headed straight for the hotel he was putting up in, dragging along good friends Farhan Akhtar and Ashutosh Gowariker.
But no matter how Khan behaved, junta's reaction was a clear indication of their unstinted support and admiration for one of India’s most respected actors - both at home and abroad.
{{/usCountry}}But no matter how Khan behaved, junta's reaction was a clear indication of their unstinted support and admiration for one of India’s most respected actors - both at home and abroad.
{{/usCountry}}What were you afraid of, Aamir? That the public would start prying into your private life or request you for details of the legal separation from your spouse of 18 years? And if at all, they had impinged on your privacy, don’t you have the experience of handling it, in a manner more befitting than escaping from it?
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