Filmmaker Reema Kagti has built a reputation for maintaining unwavering professional standards on her sets, and Aamir Khan – despite his prominence – has not been exempt from her scrutiny. Their working relationship across two films reveals a director who treats all personnel with equal accountability, a principle that initially proved challenging for the megastar to accept. During the production of ‘Lagaan’, when Aamir held both lead and producer roles, he made a modest request: to be called 15 minutes earlier for breakfast, citing his eating pace. Kagti’s response was uncompromising: “For you, the whole hair and makeup team will not come 15 minutes earlier,” she told him bluntly. The exchange underscored her refusal to create hierarchies or exceptions, regardless of Aamir’s dual status. Years later, while filming ‘Talaash’, a similar dynamic emerged. Aamir sought permission to arrive late for a night shoot to attend Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement celebration. “That day was the night shoot of ‘Talaash’. I know how Reema is,” Aamir said, laughing. He had described the event as an “important occasion” because Tendulkar is a “national icon”. Reluctantly granted, the hour-long grace period extended to four or five hours. Upon arrival, Kagti’s reaction was decisive: “She blasted me so badly… She said, ‘How dare you come late? Is this your professionalism?’ So, we’re still working on it. We’re still getting there,” Khan confessed. Their professional equation, defined by mutual respect yet persistent friction, remains distinctly complex. The two did not work on another project after that.
