'Aamir Khan was a nobody': When Kitu Gidwani recalled how the 'Dangal' actor got 'nervous' during a kissing scene in 'Holi'

Long before he became the face of pathbreaking films like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Dangal’, Aamir Khan was just another newcomer trying to find his footing. In a throwback interview, his ‘Holi’ co-actor Kitu Gidwani fondly remembered those early days, describing him as “quiet and simple.” She revealed that the now-celebrated star often got nervous, especially during intimate scenes.

Speaking to YouTuber Siddharth Kannan, Kitu shared, “During those days, Aamir Khan was a nobody! He had just started his career in cinema. He is a man who loves cinema. He was creative. I had no clue who Aamir Khan was.” She added, “Aamir was a very quiet person. They were all very humble and cool. He was very nervous when we had to kiss. He was as nervous as I was. He was a very simple actor back then. I can call him a friend.”

Kitu Gidwani reveals how ‘Holi’ happened?

Recalling how she became part of filmmaker Ketan Mehta’s coming-of-age drama ‘Holi’, Kitu spoke about her days at the Film Institute campus. “We were all crazy people on the Film Institute campus. Ketan Ji asked me, ‘Kitu, lately you have been mostly seen in Film Institute...So I said, ‘Yeah, I have been doing student films.’ Suddenly he was like, ‘Will you do Holi?’ I was like, ‘What is Holi?’ He said, ‘It’s a film I am doing.’ And that’s how it all happened,” Gidwani recalled.

The film, which also featured stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, and Ashutosh Gowariker, was shot largely on the campus of the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune. What began as a student-driven project went on to become a significant early chapter in many illustrious careers.

Talking about her part in ‘Holi’, Kitu was refreshingly candid. “I just played the sexy girl on campus. Back then, it was not about money or a stepping stone. We just did what we liked,” she said. The atmosphere, she suggested, was driven more by passion than ambition.

Gidwani also reflected on her time working alongside Naseeruddin Shah, sharing, “Naseer is quite humble when he comes before his co-actors. I joined his theatre group, Motley Crew. For us, the work was more important. For Naseer, work is worship. He was our friend, but I saw him as my Guru. He never asked for it; I felt like respecting him.”

Looking back, ‘Holi’ stands as a reminder of how even the biggest stars once began as unsure newcomers, navigating nerves and nurturing dreams on modest sets.

Aamir Khan's work front

On the professional front, Aamir Khan was recently seen in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, where he made a cameo appearance and also served as the film’s producer. The Vir Das-starrer has received mixed reviews and a modest box office response. Aamir is next backing Ek Din, starring his son Junaid Khan alongside Sai Pallavi. The film’s teaser was released recently and has generated curiosity among audiences.

According to News18, Aamir is reportedly set to play the legendary filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke in an upcoming biopic to be directed by Rajkumar Hirani, though an official announcement is still awaited. He has also confirmed that work has begun on his long-gestating dream project based on the Mahabharat.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”