Perfectionist. Disciplined. Dedicated. Opinionated.

No two ways about it. That's Aamir Khan for you.

Drawn towards the magic of celluloid, Aamir Khan made his first screen appearance as a child artiste in filmmaker uncle Nasir Hussain's Yaadon Ki Baaraat.

He then assisted Nasir in the making of Manzil Manzil and Zabardast.

Later, he also assisted Ketan Mehta, who directed him in the arty Holi.

Aamir then made a sensational debut in the blockbuster, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, which also marked the debut of his cousin-cum-friend Mansoor Khan as director.

He let the cat out of the bag when he revealed that he was secretly married to long-time sweetheart Reena. With him being a Muslim and she, a Hindu, matters were complicated. So the two eloped and got married.

Aamir continued delivering hits consistently, displaying his versatility as an actor in Dil, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Rangeela, Raja Hindustani, Sarfarosh, Ghulam and 1947 - Earth.

A director's actor, Aamir has worked in more than one film with Mansoor Khan, Indra Kumar, Dharmesh Darshan and Mahesh Bhatt. On the flip side, directors like Ramgopal Varma and Yash Chopra don't figure in the stubborn Khan's good books.

His scrupulous attitude towards acting has drawn its share of attention, to the extent that costars complain that working with him is too taxing.

After being in the industry for over a decade, Aamir now goes with a strong reputation: "If it's an Aamir Khan film, it has to be exceptional".

Unlike rest of the Khan stars, Aamir guards his privacy painstakingly and maintains a low profile. He hates filmi parties and journalists equally.

Now, Aamir has set his sets higher, with his ambitious venture, Lagaan. His first production, it is a 19th century period drama about the plight of farmers.

In an era of actors obsessed with money, glamour and fame, Aamir Khan stands out for talent, intellect and simplicity.

Click here for the man behind the star

Text: Sukanya Verma