Aamir Khan to retire after 'Mahabharata'? A look at when he wanted to play Lord Krishna

As Aamir Khan gears up for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, the actor is already looking toward his next monumental project—an epic cinematic adaptation of the Mahabharat. He recently shared that once his current film is out, his full focus will shift to bringing this legendary tale to life. The sheer magnitude of the project suggests it may well become the final milestone in his illustrious career.

During a conversation on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Aamir expressed his deep connection to the story. For him, the Mahabharat is more than a tale—it’s a rich tapestry woven with emotion, complexity, and universal themes that mirror the entirety of human experience. This ancient Indian epic, he revealed, has stayed close to his heart for many years and remains his most cherished dream for the big screen.

Reflecting on his future in the industry, Aamir acknowledged that undertaking a project of this scale might leave him creatively fulfilled to the point where he may no longer feel the need to pursue more films. The emotional and philosophical weight of Mahabharat could represent the culmination of his storytelling journey.


The scope of this project is vast, and Aamir admitted it would require years just to build the narrative foundation. Previously, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he had described this dream as one of his most ambitious pursuits. He remains uncertain whether he will appear on screen in the adaptation. Casting decisions, he said, will depend solely on who best suits each character, rather than on personal preference.

He also expressed doubts about directing the project himself. Given its complexity, the film will not be a standalone production. Aamir foresees the Mahabharat unfolding across several parts, possibly with multiple filmmakers helming different segments to meet the enormous storytelling demands within a realistic timeframe. It will be a collaborative effort on an unprecedented scale, potentially redefining Indian cinema’s scope and ambition.

This isn’t the first time Aamir has spoken about the project. As far back as 2012, he told Aaj Tak that Mahabharat was both his ultimate dream and greatest challenge. He had confessed it could take two decades of his life, and that the subject's magnitude made him hesitant due to the long commitment it demanded. He once hoped to portray Karna, a personal favorite, but felt physically unsuited to the role and considered Krishna a better match for his persona—especially since his mother once fondly called him by that name during his childhood.

This dream, nurtured over years, may finally be on the verge of becoming reality.