Master actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan won hearts at WAVES 2025 with his candid and practical session on “The Art of Acting” from the Creatosphere stage. Drawing from his decades of experience, the self-taught actor shared invaluable tips for aspiring actors, insights into the future of filmmaking, and his approach to bringing characters to life.
Learning Through Experience
Aamir Khan humbly admitted, “I am not a trained actor. I wanted to go to the National School of Drama, but couldn’t. I have picked up tips on the way, which work for me.” His journey reflects a dedication to learning through practice, making his advice relatable for budding actors.
The Role of AI in Filmmaking
Discussing the future, Aamir highlighted the transformative potential of technology, stating, “AI technology has enabled films to be shot without the actor in the scene! AI and technology are capable of adding the actor later in the scene.” This insight underscores the evolving landscape of cinema, where technology is reshaping traditional filmmaking.
Getting Into the Character’s Mind
Aamir emphasized that the first step for an actor is to deeply understand the character. “I spend a lot of time with scripts. I read the script again and again. If the script is good, you will understand the character, its physicality, attitude, etc. will all come from it,” he said. He also values discussions with directors to gain clarity on the character and story.
Aamir’s Rigorous Preparation Process
Revealing his hard-working nature, Aamir shared, “I have a weak memory. So, I hand-write dialogues. I take up the difficult scenes first. The dialogues must be by heart.” He practices dialogues daily for 3-4 months, ensuring they become second nature. “The dialogues have to become yours. You have to own it,” he added, explaining how he transforms the scriptwriter’s words into his own.
Aamir also visualizes scenes before shooting but avoids mirrors during practice, focusing on internalizing the performance. He noted the challenge of maintaining emotional intensity across multiple takes, a task that tests an actor’s resilience.
Honesty in Performance
One of Aamir’s key tips for actors was, “The more honest you are, the better you will perform.” He stressed the importance of believing in the script, even when scenes seem implausible, as an actor’s conviction can make the audience believe. “Sometimes there are scenes in films which are not believable. But the actor may make you believe it,” he said.
What Makes a Good Script?
Aamir defined a good script as one with a clear premise and goal setting within the first 10% of the story to retain audience interest. “A good script will have a clear premise. Otherwise, the interest of the audience will be lost,” he explained.
Teamwork and Favorite Project
Emphasizing collaboration, Aamir advised, “Do what the scene demands, and don’t just think of your own work in it.” When asked about his favorite project, he named Taare Zameen Par, citing its impact on teaching parents to be patient and empathetic with their children.
Why This Matters
Aamir Khan’s session at WAVES 2025 offered a masterclass in acting, blending practical advice with insights into the evolving film industry. His emphasis on hard work, honesty, and script-driven performances provides a roadmap for aspiring actors, while his thoughts on AI highlight the industry’s technological future.
Looking Ahead
Aamir’s talk reaffirmed the timeless value of storytelling in cinema, even as technology reshapes how stories are told. His dedication to the craft continues to inspire, ensuring Indian cinema’s legacy thrives for future generations.