Aamir Khan Opens Up About Sitaare Zameen Par and the Remake Debate

Ziya Khan 4 weeks agoLast Updated: June 21, 2025

During an interaction with a select group of journalists on June 4, Aamir Khan discussed his latest release, Sitaare Zameen Par, and addressed the topic of remakes more candidly than ever. His film is a remake of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones, also known as Champions.

Aamir stated, “Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) wasn’t my only solo remake before Sitaare Zameen Par. Around 10-15 of my films have been remade, and most of them are super-hits, like Ghajini (2008). Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) was a remake of Romeo and Juliet. For me, it’s like a new canvas. Many remakes have succeeded in India. We’re in 2025 now, and if you look back to the 1970s, you’ll find more remakes than original material. I can confidently say that. The negativity surrounding remakes mostly comes from trolls. Some of our biggest hits are remakes. If it’s so easy to ‘cut and paste,’ then go ahead and try it. But it’s not just that; you have to infuse life into it.”

He added, “If remaking is such a crime, then why do we continue to adapt Shakespeare’s works? These criticisms are nonsensical. I believe in remakes and will continue to pursue them throughout my life. Whenever I find promising material, I’ll remake it. Why shouldn’t I? If you don’t want to watch it, that’s your choice. It’s my choice to work on the remake.”

Aamir further pointed out, “I saw such a beautiful Spanish film. How many of you will actually watch the original? I doubt many of you have seen a Spanish film in your life — maybe one or two. If I decide not to remake, should I abandon a beautiful topic that could sensitize our audience? If a filmmaker in Iceland makes a film, does that mean no one else in the world can remake it? What are we joking about? I want the impact that the Spanish original had at home to resonate in India as well.”