As the Bollywood film Mela marks its 25th anniversary on January 7, actor Aamir Khan opens up about the true motivation behind doing the much-criticised movie. Known for his discerning choices, Aamir reveals that his primary objective for Mela was solely to launch his brother, Faisal Khan.
A Brother's Launch: The Genesis of Mela Aamir Khan, despite his reputation for being exceptionally selective with his film projects, took on Mela specifically to give his brother Faisal Khan a platform in the industry. This candid admission sheds light on the personal sacrifices and decisions top stars often make for their family members.
Family Dynamics and Unforeseen Challenges Ironically, despite Aamir's efforts, Faisal later levelled serious accusations against him, including illegal confinement and career sabotage. Aamir reflects on this painful chapter with a sigh, stating, “That is my destiny. You can fight the world, but how can you fight your own family?” This poignant remark highlights the complexities and emotional toll of familial disputes, even for public figures.
'Mela': A Boorish Adaptation and Box Office Failure Mela, widely considered a loud and boorish adaptation of the classic Sholay, saw Aamir Khan in a comic-book version of Dharmendra's character, while Faisal Khan portrayed a tight-fisted take on Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic role. Despite the star power, the film unfortunately bombed at the box office, failing to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Aamir's Reflection: No Regrets, Only Disappointment While Mela's commercial failure was undeniable, Aamir Khan insists he holds no regrets about making the film. He admits, “I was obviously disappointed by its failure to achieve its potential.” He further elaborates on the collective disappointment, stating that the entire team had worked incredibly hard. Aamir emphasizes that the film's underperformance was tough not just on Faisal, but on himself and everyone involved, as he is uncomfortable with any of his films not realizing their full potential. This perspective offers a rare glimpse into the emotional investment actors have in their projects, regardless of their eventual fate.
