Aamir Khan turned on 40 on Monday, March 14. rediff.com took the opportunity to celebrate the very talented actor, and spoke to adman Prahlad Kakkar, who shot one of the earliest Pepsi commercials with Aamir.

"Aamir takes himself very seriously because he actually believes that he's not a good actor. So he puts in extra effort. He works very hard. So it can be both fun and irritating working with him. He will not compromise.

Special: Aamir, 40

He's an emotional guy and loyal. During the Mumbai [Images] riots, I got a call from him in the middle of the night. He asked me if I knew anyone in the police [department]. His driver was stuck in a chawl which had been set on fire and he wanted to get him out at any cost. I told him that I would go with him.

Aamir came in his car. We were on the highway, and there was silence everywhere. There was not a soul in sight. This is the kind of commitment he has.

Though I spoke bravely, I was wondering what would happen; what we were getting ourselves into. But Aamir was there till everything settled down."

As told to Lata Khubchandani