Filmmaker R. S. Prasanna’s recently released Sitaare Zameen Par, starring Aamir Khan, tells the story of 10 specially-abled children who teach valuable life lessons to their basketball coach, portrayed by Aamir. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama’s Rohit Khilnani, Prasanna spoke about his collaboration with Aamir and how the actor came on board the project.
EXCLUSIVE: RS Prasanna on getting Aamir Khan on board for Sitaare Zameen Par: “I had only one person in mind for this story, Aamir Khan”
Speaking about manifesting the opportunity to work with Aamir Khan, R. S. Prasanna shared, “The first time I officially met Aamir Khan was for this movie, about four or five years ago. In one of our early meetings, I told him, ‘Sir, there are some dreams one doesn’t even dare to dream, they’re not even within the syllabus of dreams. You are one such person. Because one doesn’t even dare to dream of directing Aamir Khan. That kind of thing has to happen from the other side.’”
Sharing a personal anecdote, the director said, “When Aamir Sir won the Best Debut Director award for Taare Zameen Par, it was presented by a beautiful family foundation, the Gollapudi Srinivas Award in Chennai. This was back in 2007. He usually doesn’t attend award functions, but he came for this one because the award was started by a family who lost their son while he was making his debut film. It was an emotional moment.”
He added, “Legends of Tamil cinema were present, Balachander sir among them, and Aamir sir was on stage. There was a massive crowd outside the auditorium who couldn’t get in. I was one of those kids standing outside. I remember seeing Aamir Khan and thinking, ‘Wow, he’s so humble.’ Years later, I shared that story with him and said, ‘That kid who couldn’t even get into the venue is now sitting across from you, sharing a room. It’s just God’s blessing.’”
Speaking about how he came to direct the film, R. S. Prasanna said, “Actually, I reached out. His manager at the time, Shamath, got in touch after Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and said they liked my work. He asked if I had anything to pitch for Aamir to produce. I hesitantly asked, ‘I don’t want to sound presumptuous, but can I pitch something for Aamir Khan to act in?’”
To his surprise, the response was positive. “Why not? Aamir sir has no formula as such. You never know.”
Reflecting on his journey, R. S. Prasanna shared that he had envisioned a long path to working with Aamir Khan. “In my mind, I’d built a 10-year plan. I thought he’d reject me multiple times before I even got a chance. But I had only one person in mind for this story, Aamir Khan. As a producer, a superstar, an actor, and above all, a human being. The story needed someone sensitive and compassionate, someone with the emotional depth that Aamir brings both on and off-screen. He ticked all the boxes. Then came the self-doubt. I thought, ‘If Aamir Khan is the only choice, and I’m a director with just one film, this may never happen.’ I was sinking into despair.”
Sharing a fun anecdote, Prasanna recalled being at home in Chennai, dressed in casual shorts and a banyan, when he unexpectedly received a video call from Aamir Khan. Unsure whether to change or answer, he picked up the call as he was, not wanting to miss the moment.
Despite the informal setting, Aamir instantly put him at ease. He said, “I really love this. I want to embark on this journey with you. But first, tell me why you want to tell this story. Tell me about yourself.” Prasanna added, “Within two minutes, he made me feel so comfortable. He has that extraordinary ability to put people at ease , it’s a rare quality.”
R. S. Prasanna directed Sitaare Zameen Par, which released on June 20, 2025. The film is regarded as a spiritual sequel to Aamir Khan’s 2007 film Taare Zameen Par.
More Pages: Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Collection , Sitaare Zameen Par Movie Review
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