Aamir Khan's idols

Five successful films in a row, creating box office history, Aamir Khan is on top of the world.

Even with hits like Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zamin Par, Ghazni and the latest 3 Idiots, he does not consider himself to be the greatest star of Bollwood. A highly gifted actor, Aamir speaks about his four idols in a rare interview.

Dilip Kumar

The epitome of intensity and dedication, Dilip Kumar will remain not only an idol but an actor every upcoming performer will look up to for learning the finer aspects of acting. In his 62 films he has shown amazing versatility. Dilip Kumar has been very selective about the characters he performed and never appeared ridiculous on screen. His sad eyes, low-key dialogue delivery and perfect usage of his right arm with each dialogue have been the hallmarks of his performance. Though popularly known as the tragedy king, he excelled in comedies like Kohinoor and Ram Aur Shyam. Dilip Kumar's performances in Andaz, Footpath, Devdas and Ganga Jumuna offer lessons in acting. I have learnt from him how to control myself in front of the camera and to say no to too many films.

Dev Anand

The epitome of romance and style, Dev Anand is one of my all-time favourites. His inimitable love scenes have influenced every actor of later generations, including me. His divine screen presence along with his haunting smile simply lit the silver screen in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Provided he had a special script and sensitive director, he delivered unforgettable performances in Kala Pani, Bombai Ka Babu, Hum Dono and Guide. He had the rare ability to match with any heroine of his times, be it Geeta Bali, Waheeda Rehman, Saira Banu or Hema Malini. I consider it my privilege to have worked with him in Awwal Number, even though it's not a memorable film. He is the only icon who is carrying on in his own way, undaunted by a series of flops. His contribution to Indian cinema is undeniable and it's known that he introduced Guru Dutt, Vijay Anand and Zeenat Aman to films.

Raj Kapoor

I still don't understand why he is called a showman. There are many aspects of Raj Kapoor far beyond that of a showman. He started the trend of actor, director, producers, which was later followed by Guru Dutt, Manoj Kumar and many others. In popular films like Awara and Shree 420, he followed the Chaplinesque style. When he worked under other efficient directors he never interfered in their approach and gave haunting performances. The blank face of Raj Kapoor in Gopinath, Jaagte Raho, Phir Subha Hogi and Teesri Kasam remains matchless. Raj Kapoor is India's first intercontinental star and till date no one has come anywhere near him in this aspect. His sense of music was inborn. Two decades after his death he is still adored.

Shammi Kapoor

I have adored him since my childhood. My uncle Nasir Hussain, with whom Shammi Kapoor gave a series of hits, always pointed out to me each nuance of his performance, before enacting romantic scenes and song sequences. His sense of rhythm is unbeatable and the way he performed song sequences still remains a wonder for me. He mingled emotions, comedy and romance like no one else did, and was original in his action scenes. I will never forget Shammi Kapoor in Junglee, China Town, Professor, Teesri Manzil and Brahmachari.