The Untold Story of Delhi Belly: How Aamir Khan Stood by the Film Despite Negative Reactions

The early 2000s was a remarkable time for Bollywood, with a plethora of talented actors making their mark on the industry. One such actor was Imran Khan, who had a short but impactful stint in the movies during this period. With films like Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na and Delhi Belly under his belt, Imran Khan had already won the hearts of his fans. In a recent interview, Imran shared a fascinating story about the making of Delhi Belly, a film that was produced by his uncle, Aamir Khan.

The Initial Screening: A Mixed Reaction

Imran Khan recalled the first screening of the film, which was held at Aamir Khan’s office. The screening was attended by a small group of people, including Imran, director Abhinay Deo, writer Akshat Verma, and a few of Aamir’s friends and staff members. After the screening, the reactions were mixed, to say the least. One of Aamir’s close family friends was particularly disappointed with the film, questioning Aamir’s decision to produce it. The friend even went on to say that the film would destroy Imran’s career.

"I remember, he pointed at me and said, ‘Tu iska career barbaad kar dega (You will destroy his career),’ " Imran Khan recalled. "He said, ‘Aamir, tu meri maan (listen to me), don’t release this film. Bury the negative.’ " The security personnel at Aamir’s office were also critical of the film, warning Aamir that releasing the film would tarnish his reputation.

Aamir Khan’s Unwavering Support

Despite the negative reactions, Aamir Khan stood by the film, refusing to back down. Imran Khan remembered that Aamir was calm and composed, even in the face of such criticism. "Aamir didn’t flinch," Imran said. "He looked at the whole thing and said, ‘No, it is correct. You guys have shot the right film, it’s there, the problem is only the edit. Whatever was there in the script, you guys have shot it and you have delivered it, don’t worry about it. We just have to edit it correctly.’ "

Imran Khan and Akshat Verma were devastated by the initial reactions, and both of them fell ill for two days. However, Aamir’s words of encouragement helped them to regain their confidence and re-edit the film. This experience taught them a valuable lesson, one that they would cherish for the rest of their careers.

The Re-Editing Process: A Turning Point

The re-editing process was a turning point for the film, as it helped to shape the final product into what we know and love today. Imran Khan credited Aamir Khan for his unwavering support, saying that it was his uncle’s vision and faith in the film that helped them to push through the tough times.

Delhi Belly, which also starred Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapur, went on to become a critical and commercial success, despite the initial negative reactions. The film’s success was a testament to Aamir Khan’s foresight and his willingness to take risks. It also demonstrated the importance of standing by one’s convictions, even in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

The story of Delhi Belly is a reminder that success is not always guaranteed, and that even the most talented individuals can face criticism and rejection. However, it is how we respond to these challenges that defines us. Aamir Khan’s unwavering support for the film, despite the initial negative reactions, is a shining example of his dedication to his craft and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema. As we look back on the making of Delhi Belly, we are reminded of the power of perseverance and the importance of standing by one’s convictions, even in the face of adversity.

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Content originally published by indianexpress.com