Ghajini remains the biggest hit of Aamir Khan‘s career, a landmark film that saw him transform both physically and emotionally, like never before. The film, inspired by Christopher Nolan’s Memento (2000), required Aamir to bulk up significantly for his role, pushing his limits in a way that was unprecedented in his career. Interestingly, Aamir initially hesitated to take on the role, but it was Suriya, who had starred in the Tamil original, who convinced him to go for it. Aamir often credits Suriya for making Ghajini a part of his illustrious career.
The film’s female lead was initially offered to Priyanka Chopra, but when she couldn’t adjust her dates, Asin, who had starred in the Tamil version, stepped in and delivered an outstanding performance. Director A.R. Murugadoss, who helmed both the Tamil and Hindi versions of Ghajini, emphasized that even though the Hindi version was a frame-by-frame remake, it felt fresh due to the new cast and nuances. He compared it to a singer performing the same song at different venues, each time giving it a new rendition. Murugadoss expressed his deep appreciation for both versions, saying it was like choosing between two beloved children and that he would love to collaborate with Aamir again in the future.
Ghajini was released in the same month as Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, starring Shah Rukh Khan, which showcased a different kind of transformation. However, Aamir’s portrayal of the amnesiac Singhania required a deeper emotional and psychological transformation. His performance, focusing on subtlety and restraint, made the character’s shift from vulnerability to vengeance compelling and unique in a genre often dominated by action-driven performances. Aamir’s commitment to the role allowed the character to evolve beyond the usual stereotypes, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
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