Junaid Khan Takes Over Aamir Khan Productions as Aamir Announces Retirement
New Delhi: Junaid Khan, the son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, has made a low-key debut in the industry with Yash Raj Films’ Maharaj. But Junaid’s ambitions extend beyond acting, as he is also exploring the world of film production. In a recent interview, Junaid opened up about his father’s contemplation of retirement and the subsequent transition of responsibilities at Aamir Khan Productions (AKP).
Junaid shared that his journey into production began with his hands-on experiences on various film sets, including his work behind the camera on the film PK and in shooting advertisements. These experiences have equipped him with a thorough understanding of the intricacies of film production. After completing his work on Maharaj, Junaid transitioned to a more significant role at AKP, coinciding with Aamir Khan’s decision to step back from the industry. Junaid recalled, “Dad was going through this whole ‘I-am-retiring’ phase,” which led to Aamir encouraging him to take over the family production house.
Describing the challenges of production, Junaid acknowledged it as one of the most demanding aspects of filmmaking, despite having a solid foundational knowledge. He also reflected on his parents’ reactions to his debut. While Aamir Khan was supportive and appreciative of Maharaj, calling himself an “easy audience,” Junaid noted that his mother, Reena Dutta, was a more discerning viewer. He mentioned that Aamir only visited the set once, along with his three grandparents, and waited to watch the film after its completion.
Looking back at Aamir Khan’s career, Junaid highlighted the mix of successful and less successful projects. Aamir’s last major hit was Secret Superstar in 2017, followed by Laal Singh Chaddha, a remake of the Hollywood classic Forrest Gump, which did not perform well at the box office and received mixed reviews from critics.
As Junaid steps into a pivotal role at AKP, his foray into production represents a new chapter for the company. It comes at a time when Aamir Khan is considering retirement, marking a significant transition in the legacy of one of Bollywood’s most influential families. Junaid’s entry into the industry and his father’s semi-retirement bring a fresh perspective and new energy to AKP, setting the stage for future projects under his leadership.