Aamir Khan revealed that he rejected the script for "Swades" calling it boring upon hearing it. Director Ashutosh Gowariker narrated the script during the filming of "Lagaan," but Aamir hadn't even watched the film until now.
Aamir Khan, Bollywood's self-proclaimed "Mr. Perfectionist," recently made a revelation that has sparked considerable buzz in the film industry. He admitted not only to rejecting Shah Rukh Khan's critically acclaimed film "Swades," but also to never having watched it completely, even after 21 years.
"Swades" Script Narration During "Lagaan" Shoot
This revelation was made during an interview where Aamir Khan explained that director Ashutosh Gowariker narrated the "Swades" script to him during the shooting of "Lagaan." At that time, the film was titled "Kaveri Amma." Ashutosh was planning his next project with Aamir after "Lagaan." His request for feedback elicited a surprising response.
"Found the Story Very Boring"
Aamir candidly stated, "I told Ashutosh frankly that I found the story very boring. I felt your point is noble, what you're saying is important, but it's so long and tedious that I myself got bored." He added, "I told Ashutosh this at the time, and I haven't seen 'Swades' completely to this day."
When the Script Was Titled "Kaveri Amma"
Recalling the event, Aamir mentioned that when Ashutosh narrated the story, it was titled "Kaveri Amma," named after the character Mohan Bhargav's (played by Shah Rukh Khan) foster mother. The film was later titled "Swades," with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.
A Missed Opportunity or the Right Decision for Aamir?
While "Swades" is still considered one of Bollywood's most impactful films, Aamir's rejection and avoidance of watching it reflects his stringent approach to film selection. Although known for his perfectionism and serious consideration of scripts, this decision surprised many of his fans.
"Swades" Won National Awards
It's noteworthy that "Swades" received critical acclaim from both critics and audiences. The film won two National Awards and is considered one of Shah Rukh Khan's most memorable performances. The film sensitively portrayed rural development, the mindset of Non-Resident Indians, and the depth of Indian culture.
Aamir's Next Film: "Sitaare Zameen Par"
Currently, Aamir Khan is generating buzz for his upcoming film, "Sitaare Zameen Par," a remake of the Spanish film "Campeones," directed by R.S. Prasanna. The film is slated for release on June 20, 2025, and Aamir's fans are eagerly anticipating it.