Aamir Khan birthday special: Mr Perfectionist's exemplary celluloid journey!

One of the most loved actors for more than two decades in Hindi cinema, Aamir Khan turns a year older today. Mr Perfectionist is not just a moniker used to address Khan but also something which he has literally earned over past many years—all thanks to his marvellous celluloid journey.

Aamir Khan has now become a brand which is synonymous with perfection and versatility. He has had a wonderful 2016 with 'Dangal' breaking all records at the box office and creating a milestone for others to reach. He is one of the three Khans—Salman and Shah Rukh Khan, who are all pillars of Hindi cinema and probably one of those lucky few who breathe stardom like no one ever has or perhaps will.

Aamir started his journey as a child actor in his uncle Nasir Hussain's project 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat' (1973). Not many know that it was 'Holi' which released in 1984 that actually marked his feature film debut but it never saw the light of the day. He then made a smashing debut opposite Juhi Chawla in 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak', which hit the screens in 1988.

Since then, there has been no looking back for Aamir. He has done dozens of commercial ventures, come of which went on to gain a cult status while others received a lukewarm response. Aamir's production company kickstarted business with Ashutosh Gowariker's directorial 'Lagaan' and it created a storm at the box office windows. So much so that it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. 'Lagaan' earned several awards that year; bagging the National Film Award for Best Popular Film and two more Filmfare Awards including the Best Actor and Best Film.

Then came 'Rang De Basanti' which again was like a new wave in cinema with youth-centric issues backed in a powerful narrative by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Post that Aamir donned the director's hat for the very first time with 'Taare Zameen Par', a film which addressed dyslexia in children. His social message was conveyed straight across generations and Aamir's finesse both as a director and an actor was highlighted one more time.

He even starred in commercially path-breaking films such as 'Ghajini', 'Dhoom 3', '3 Idiots' and 'PK'. Besides, his television debut in 'Satyamev Jayate' touched the emotional chord of the audiences and people connected with Aamir talking about the pressing issues in our country.

The superstar's personal life too has been in the limelight. Before marrying director Kiran Rao, Aamir was married to Reena Dutta and has two kids with her Junaid and Ira. Aamir and Kiran are blessed with a son named Azad Rao Khan.

He has maintained a wonderful balance between his personal and professional life. On turning 52, let's hope Aamir continues to inspire many with his impeccable acting and directorial skills. Especially, after portraying wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat in 'Dangal' and the immense body transformation he underwent speaks volumes about Aamir's eye for detailing. His on-screen journey as a 'Haanikarak Bapu' has been etched deep in the viewers' minds.

Here's wishing Mr Perfectionist a happy birthday!