Was told I would not survive for long in Bollywood: Aamir

Actor Aamir Khan, who has delivered several hits in his film career like 'Taare Zameen Par', '3 Idiots', says because of his 'one film at a time approach' industry people often told him that his career will be finished soon.

Aamir began as a child actor at the age of eight in Nasir Hussain's 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat' (1973) and 'Madhosh' (1974). Eleven years later, he made his acting debut as an adult in Ketan Mehta's 'Holi' (1984) that went unnoticed.

The actor's first notable leading role came in 1988 in the film 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak', which was directed by his cousin and Nasir Hussain's son Mansoor Khan.

The actor has completed 25 years in the film industry and given notable performances in films like 'Dil', 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander', 'Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke', 'Andaz Apna Apna', 'Rangeela', 'Ghulam', 'Sarfarosh', 'Earth', 'Lagaan', 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Sarfarosh', 'Rang De Basanti', 'Fanna', 'Taare Zameen Par', 'Ghajini', '3 Idiots' and others.

"I am happy and surprised to complete 25 years in the industry. When I was new I was not aware where and how my career will head. I was told an actor's life is of five years as public then gets bored of seeing them," Aamir told reporters here today.

Aamir insists that he chooses a film from his heart and doesn't do it to achieve name, fame, money and doesn't care much about which banner is making the movie.

"My this mantra to do a film has been questioned by many people in the industry. I remember industry people telling me that I would be out of this industry soon due to my one film or less films approach, and that my method was not right. People had lashed out at me and my way of working. But I never got deterred and followed what my heart said," he said.

Often regarded as a perfectionist, Aamir has evolved as an actor in all these years and insists he has reached this far due to the support of his family members including first wife Reena, present wife Kiran Rao, mother and father, siblings, industry people and fans.

"It is quite surprising that I completed so many years in the industry, it seems like I just started yesterday. I want to thank my family, friends, writers, directors, technicians, co-stars and all, and not to forget my fans and God for their never ending love and support," he says.

Also, Aamir's first successful film as a hero 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' completed 25 years of its release on March 1, 2013.

"I am happy that the film has completed 25 years. We are having a small get together with family and close friends and associates related to the film. First we would be watching the film and then sit and eat, recollect old days and have fun," he said.

After starting with a smash hit, Aamir did a long string of average films which failed to garner any support at the box office but the actor inside him kept progressing.

"I made a lot of mistakes in my career and had unsuccessful films also to my credit. But I have always learnt from my mistakes as that has always pushed me to do better and evolve as an actor and as a person. I don't regret doing any film in my career as the experience has taught me a lot," he said.

"I also give equal importance and value to my failures and my success. I am never afraid to walk on a path that one rarely walks, I am not afraid to take risks," he added.

Aamir made his debut on TV with 'Satyamev Jayate', which got good reception from all quarters. Not just personally, but even his films have given out strong messages.

"I never thought I would be star and be successful. I believed in doing what I felt was right and just followed by heart. The two qualities that I feel have brought me till here are my passion and madness for cinema but the same also backfire at times and is dangerous. Also I am 'ziddi' and emotional," he said.