There are many actors in the Indian film industry who have earned their place in stardom, but these iconic Aamir Khan roles show exactly why he continues to be one of the most consistent actors/producers. Almost all of his work is widely acclaimed and critically praised for its topical nature and its ability to make interesting comments about the world around us. In celebration of his birthday, check out the characters he’s played, that have slotted themselves into pop culture fiercely.
Iconic Aamir Khan Roles
Rancho from 3 Idiots
This was one of the roles that completely changed people’s minds when the film came out. At the time the film was released, many people were dealing with a crisis at home when it came to choosing careers. A protagonist in an Indian film telling audiences that they can choose who they want to be is interesting to think about especially for the audience. Aamir Khan’s role as Rancho convinced people that they can have their dreams and achieve them, something that wasn’t made popular at that time. This film is available to stream on Netflix.
Laal Singh Chaddha from Laal Singh Chaddha
For all the wholesome energy this film portrays, the actor completely emulated the aspects of being a lovable hero. Many people who went and watched the film enjoyed the Punjabi-ness of it, while also acknowledging how interestingly the film portrayed the characters. The character dynamics and humour in this film as portrayed by Khan truly shone in the film. Even though this film was an adaptation of the classic film Forrest Gump, this film felt like its own in its own right. This film is available to stream on Netflix.
PK from PK
Religious harmony is a difficult pill for many to swallow, however, this film showed how the differences in our understanding of each other and the people around us make it difficult to make true human connections. Playing an alien, Khan explores humanity through a lens of utmost curiosity and empathy. Additionally, it tackles friendship, love and romance in a way that makes perfect sense. This film is available to stream on Netflix.
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Sanjay Singhania from Ghajini

One of the most harrowing romance thriller films of the early 2000s, Khan plays a CEO of a big company who falls in love with a struggling model. However, the story takes a dark turn and ends with her dying and him in a terrible state, forgetting things every fifteen minutes, given the fact that he has amnesia. In order to remember, he makes notes, takes pictures and makes tattoos on himself. This film became so popular that multiple people got haircuts replicating his character’s. This film is available to stream on Zee5.
Ram Shankar Nikumbh from Taare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan never ceases to amaze people. This film had one of the most interesting storylines, following a child with dyslexia who has been struggling so hard in school that he gets sent to boarding school. Here too, he finds it difficult to make friends and find a place for himself. However, he truly opens up when the art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh pulls him out of his shell and pushes him to embrace his talents in art. This film is available to stream on Netflix.
Bhuvan from Lagaan
Khan plays a farmer in this film, who is still reeling from having to pay taxes for the land. However, when a British cricket player makes a wager by dangling the land tax, Bhuvan takes the opportunity. Should they win the cricket match, they will be exempted from paying taxes for two years. Like all films, Khan’s character in this film has a hero complex ready to make everyone optimistic. This film is available to stream on Netflix.
Mahavir Singh Phogat from Dangal
A national-level wrestler, Mahavir Singh Phogat has now become a farmer, taking care of his land and four children, all of them women. When an incident changes his mind about his daughter’s capabilities, he pushes them to extreme lengths to become good wrestlers. Even when his daughters stray from the path, he exercises patience and guides them back with stern firmness and affection. This film is available to rent on Apple TV+.
What are some of your favourite Aamir Khan films? Let us know in the comments below.
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