In an exciting turn of events for Bollywood fans, Junaid Khan made his much-anticipated debut with the Netflix film “Maharaj.” This debut has not only gathered substantial attention due to its historical relevance but also because of Junaid’s lineage as the son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and renowned producer Reena Dutta. The film has earned accolades from both audiences and critics alike, marking a significant entry for Junaid into the film industry.
In a candid conversation with film journalist Puja Talwar, Junaid Khan shared insights into his debut movie and importantly, his father Aamir Khan’s reactions to the film. Junaid revealed an interesting facet about Aamir, stating, “I think he liked the film. But then again, he likes everything. As an audience, when he watches something, he wants to enjoy it, so he ends up liking it. Except for his own films where he’s not an audience.” This comment offers a peek into the viewing habits of Aamir Khan, who is famously known for his perfectionism in acting and filmmaking.
Junaid Khan’s revelation didn’t just stop there. When queried about his own approach to acting and whether he mirrors his father’s noted perfectionist tendencies, Junaid was reflective yet clear in his response. “I don’t think so. Everybody has to do their own thing. Life pans out differently for everybody. I’m on this journey, enjoying myself,” he asserted. This statement highlights his desire to carve out his own path in the industry, distinct from the shadow of his father’s legacy.
The Netflix film “Maharaj,” directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra, is set in the 19th century and explores the life of real-life social reformer Karsandas Mulji, a role undertaken by Junaid. This character presents a departure from the conventional, romance-centric debut that his father experienced with 1988’s iconic “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.” Instead, Junaid’s debut delves into social issues of a bygone era, demonstrating both versatility and courage in his choice of roles.
.
Before the release of “Maharaj,” Junaid Khan had already garnered experience and built a strong foundation in acting. He spent three years studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. On returning to Mumbai in 2017, Junaid honed his craft through extensive theater work, which evidently prepared him for the dramatic demands of his debut film.
In an earlier interview with PTI, Junaid elaborated on how “Maharaj” came to be his debut film. He narrated, “I don’t know about it being unconventional because YRF is a big banner and Sid sir wanted me in the film. The story is inherently very dramatic. I have been doing theatre in Mumbai since 2017. Sid sir asked me to come and test for this film. I didn’t think of it as conventional or unconventional.” This clear-eyed pragmatism reflects his grounded approach to choosing projects and his readiness to embrace the roles that come his way.
“Maharaj,” also starring Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari, and Shalini Pandey, was initially set to release on Netflix on June 14. The film is based on the acclaimed Gujarati novel of the same name by Saurabh Shah, which adds another layer of literary richness and authenticity to the historical drama.
Junaid’s broad outlook on his career is refreshingly independent. Despite carrying the legacy of Aamir Khan, he seems unfazed by the expectations that come with being the son of an illustrious actor. Instead, Junaid’s focus appears to be on following his own unique trajectory in the arts, guided by passion and personal growth rather than the looming shadow of perfectionism.
With “Maharaj,” Junaid Khan has made it clear that he is here to stay, bringing a unique blend of academic training, theater experience, and a grounded mindset to his burgeoning career. The reception of the film underlines his potential and sets a promising stage for future projects. As Junaid moves forward, cinephiles and critics alike will undoubtedly watch with keen interest, as this new talent charts his own course in the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
