"I don't mind working with SRK" - Aamir Khan

Any other actor in his place would've gone tom-toming to the world about his clout at the box-office, but Aamir Khan continues to be as level-headed as ever, with his feet firmly planted on the ground. "I always knew GHAJINI would fetch a big start, but I didn't expect the start to be so huge. I am surprised," Aamir tells me as we sit down for a free-wheeling conversation.

What really clicked? Has he done some introspection? "Various factors! The director [A.R. Murugadoss] had come up with a riveting script. I knew that would be its trump card. The marketing team also deserves to be complimented. Plus, the fact that I work in limited films - on an average, one per year - and that must've generated curiosity for this film... The credit should go to Murugadoss mainly. He deserves brownie points," Aamir says with utmost modesty.

Now that GHAJINI has released, Aamir moves on to 3 IDIOTS, directed by Rajkumar Hirani. "I am enjoying working with Raju. He's a terrific storyteller," he smiles. Is he pumping iron to retain the muscular look for this film? "No, no... Raju wants a lean look for the film, so I've stopped working out since the past few months. I need to look different for this film," he divulges.

Flush with the success of his home-productions TAARE ZAMEEN PAR and JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA, Aamir has started three more films. And like his previous endeavours, the three films are being helmed by first-time directors. One of the projects is, in fact, being directed by his wife Kiran. "I am not producing this project. I'm funding and presenting it. Besides, I am also acting in Kiran's film," Aamir says.

Tentatively titled DHOBI GHAT, Aamir says that the film revolves around four characters primarily, the other three being Prateek Babbar and two new girls. "Prateek is evolving into a very fine actor," he states.

The conversation veers to Aamir and SRK acting in a movie together. Is it possible? "Of course, it is! I am open to working with SRK. I have no problems. Only thing, the script has to do justice to the two actors. I'm sure there're a lot of capable directors who'd be interested in signing this combination," he states.

Any director who can get this dream cast together? "Oh yes, Mani Ratnam, Ashutosh Gowariker, Farhan Akhtar, there're so many talented names out there. I'm game to work with a new director as well if he has the right script," he says.