Junaid Khan says he and his father Aamir Khan are physically very different: 'We'd never play similar kinds of characters'
Actor Junaid Khan recently highlighted the remarkable contributions of Bollywood legends Aamir Khan , Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, emphasising the decades of dedication that have cemented their legacies. During his visit to Lucknow for the staging of his play Runaway Brides , Junaid reflected on their sustained impact on the industry.
“They’ve all been at the top of their game not just for years but for almost three decades, close to 40 years. That is no small feat. They’ve done fantastic work for decades, which isn’t easy,” the 'Maharaj' actor told PTI.
Junaid Khan dismissed concerns about comparisons with his father, Aamir Khan. He explained that their physical differences naturally steer them towards distinct roles, adding that such comparisons have neither bothered him nor been a part of his experience so far. "Papa and I are physically very different, so we’d never play similar kinds of characters." he stated.
He further expressed his joy over the positive reception of his comedy-drama Runaway Brides, directed by Faezeh Jalali. Praising the audience's energy, he noted that this was his third trip to the city, having previously attended a friend’s wedding and performed his 2019 play Bone of Contention at the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Junaid shared insights on balancing his passion for theatre with his budding film career, highlighting the commitment required for stage plays. Despite working across mediums, he affirmed that theatre remains his first love.
The actor also spoke about his deep passion for theatre, which he has pursued since 2017 after training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and performing with their repertory company. He has since appeared in seven to eight plays and completed around a hundred shows in India.
He shared his admiration for talented stars in Bollywood like Amitabh Bachchan , Irrfan Khan , Shah Rukh Khan, and others. "There are so many fantastic actors like (Amitabh) Bachchan sahab, Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh, Kareena (Kapoor Khan), Rani (Mukerji), and Shabana Azmi, who excel both on screen and stage,” he said.
Junaid observed that film performances are heavily reliant on the director and technical elements, whereas stage performances allow for a more direct evaluation of an actor's craft.
On the work front, he will next be seen in a romantic film set to hit theatres on February 7, 2025. The movie also features Khushi Kapoor in a key role. The project is directed by Sunil Pandey and backed by his father’s production house.