Renowned actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan minced no words at ABP Network’s India @ 2047 Summit, where he candidly spoke about the creative decline in Bollywood and urged the industry to reflect and rise. “India does not lack stories; our viewpoints need to change.

Bollywood is making bad films,” Khan said. “I firmly believe no one can stop a good film and no one can make a bad movie a hit. We have an opportunity to learn and improve.”

His statements came during his address at the session titled “The Attention Industry: Telling the Best Stories” at the Summit — a flagship platform organised by ABP Network aimed at charting India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by its centenary year of independence. The platform brings together leaders and changemakers from across fields, including business, governance, arts, science, and sports, to set the national agenda for Viksit Bharat.

In the session, Aamir offered a sharp critique of current trends in Hindi cinema. “Bollywood has to make better movies like the cinema industry of the South. I find the business model of Bollywood movies surprising. A theatre release is available at home after eight weeks of release, so people wouldn’t be as interested in going to cinema halls. The pandemic has also contributed to a behavioural shift. The window between theatrical release and satellite TV release has shrunk dramatically.”

While he acknowledged the role of the box office, Aamir noted, “Box office success is important, but not the only yardstick to determine the success of a movie.”

The actor also touched on the need for greater infrastructure support to bolster the entertainment industry’s global competitiveness. “China has about 90,000 movie halls; the US has 35,000. Comparatively, India has just about 10,000 movie halls. Hindi films only get around 5,000 screens. To compete with other nations, we must increase this number manifold. Issuing licenses and providing incentives for associated infrastructure will be helpful.”

Commenting on the Government’s support for the entertainment sector, he said, “I’m glad the Government is thinking about the welfare of the industry through programmes like WAVES. We can collaborate with them at the policy level while also improving as an industry from within.”

Talking about his upcoming film, ‘Sitare Zameen Par’, Khan said, “It takes the inclusion theme of Taare Zameen Par ten steps forward. Comedy is the main vehicle. It makes us laugh but brings about a realisation.” He described his role in the new film as a basketball coach named Gulshan — a sharp contrast to the sensitive and empathetic Nikumbh from Taare Zameen Par. “Gulshan is quick to anger and picks fights with everyone,” he said, adding, “We sometimes believe we are normal, and others are not. But the movie gives the message that everyone has their own normal.”

Reflecting on some of his most immersive roles, Khan said, “I didn’t bathe for Raakh because I was playing someone living on the streets. For Ghulam, I skipped bathing for a week due to a long climax action sequence requiring continuity.”

On being asked about his dream project, the actor said, “Making Mahabharat is a big dream. Mahabharat will not let you down; but you can let it down.” When asked about a character he’d love to play, he hinted, “Krishna’s character inspires me a lot.”

Addressing his absence from the re-release of ‘Andaz Apna Apna’, Aamir revealed that the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack left him shaken. “We were really shocked and distressed. I didn’t have the heart to go for the premiere,” he said. On the tragedy, he remarked, “We should let the Government take the right action against the perpetrators. I think every Indian wishes they be brought to justice.”

Recalling his visit to Kashmir after Article 370 was passed, he said, “I found Srinagar very peaceful and calm. The lockdown had just ended, so that might have contributed to the sense of normalcy.”

Aamir also shared his unique take on acting fees. “I also don’t charge fees for my movies. My stake is in profit-making. If the movie makes a profit, I earn. I didn’t receive any payment for Lal Singh Chaddha. If my movie fails, I should take the responsibility. I must put my money where my mouth is.”