Aamir Khan, who collaborated with Ashutosh Gowariker in the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan, has revealed that he turned down Swades after finding the script “boring.” In a recent interview with Zoom, Aamir shared that the director had initially narrated the story to him during the making of Lagaan, when the project was tentatively titled Kaveri Amma.
Aamir Rejected Swades During Lagaan Shoot
“He narrated the story when we were doing Lagaan,” Aamir said. “It was a three-hour-long narration. When he asked how I liked it, I said I got bored. I told him that while the thought behind the story was noble and what he was trying to convey was important, the way he presented it didn’t engage me. I got bored.”
Swades, which eventually starred Shah Rukh Khan as Mohan Bhargava, centers around an NRI returning to India and working for rural development. The film has since achieved cult status and is widely regarded as one of Shah Rukh’s finest performances.
‘Maine ab tak dekhi nahi hai Swades’
Aamir candidly admitted that he still hasn’t watched Swades. “Actually, maine ab tak film dekhi nahi hain Swades. Toh shayad usne correct kiya hoga… Logo ko Shah Rukh ka kaam khaas pasand aya tha maine ye note kiya tha,” he said. (“I haven’t watched the film yet. Maybe he corrected it. I noticed that people really liked Shah Rukh’s performance.”)
While Aamir chose not to be a part of the film, his comments reflected a genuine critique and honest feedback to his former collaborator.
Aamir’s Next Film: Sitaare Zameen Par
Meanwhile, Aamir is set to return to the big screen with Sitaare Zameen Par, a remake of the Spanish film Campeones. Directed by RS Prasanna, the movie is scheduled for release on June 20.
Despite his decision to walk away from Swades, Aamir remains one of Bollywood’s most selective and impactful actors. His honesty about career choices offers fans a rare glimpse into the thought processes behind major film decisions.