Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has long been celebrated for his exceptional acting prowess, a reputation he has solidified through a series of iconic performances. However, it is undeniable that the foundation of his illustrious career was laid in part by his family's influential position in the film industry, particularly through the roles of his father, Tahir Hussain, and his uncle, Nasir Hussain. Tahir Hussain was a notable filmmaker, while Nasir Hussain achieved greater prominence as a director. Over the years, Aamir has candidly shared personal stories about his father, revealing a more nuanced perspective on his family's journey through Bollywood.
Tahir Hussain, born on 19th September 1938 in Mumbai, was the patriarch of the family, raising two sons, Aamir and Faisal Khan. Despite his relative success in the film industry, Tahir Hussain experienced significant financial struggles, a story that Aamir brought to light in a moving interview. Despite outward appearances of wealth, Tahir found himself trapped in a cycle of debt, a reality that impacted the entire family.
The Financial Struggles of Tahir Hussain
During a revealing interview with Humans of Bombay, Aamir Khan shared intimate details of his father's financial difficulties. He explained that several of Tahir's films did not perform well at the box office, leaving him in a precarious financial position. According to reports, Aamir recounted the emotional toll this period took on his father, saying, "One thing that deeply troubled Abba was debt. Perhaps he didn’t fully understand how loans worked, but he took one. He struggled with it, was constantly worried, and I even saw him cry."
Aamir painted a poignant picture of his father’s constant preoccupation with financial matters. He recalled, "We often saw him on the phone with those he had borrowed money from. The conversations were always about financial matters, which weighed heavily on him. On the phone, Abba would say, ‘What can I do? I don’t have any money. My film is stuck, my actors aren’t giving me dates, I’m under a lot of stress.’ His worries impacted all of us." This glimpse into Tahir Hussain's struggles reveals the profound challenges the family faced as a result of the film industry's unpredictability.
Despite these setbacks, Aamir noted that things did eventually improve, though the emotional and financial strain left a lasting impact on the family.
Tahir Hussain’s Contributions to Bollywood
While Tahir Hussain may be remembered for his financial woes, his contributions to the film industry were significant. He produced several films, including Hamara Khandaan, Dulha Bikta Hai, Jaj, Janam Janam Ka Saath, Zakhmi, and Madhosh. His directorial debut came much later in his career when he directed Tum Mere Ho in 1990, a film that featured Aamir Khan in the lead role.
Though his career was marked by both success and hardship, Tahir Hussain’s legacy in Bollywood remains intertwined with that of his son, Aamir Khan, whose own rise to stardom reflects the resilience and passion that runs in the family. The struggles and triumphs of Tahir Hussain serve as a reminder of the precarious nature of the film industry and the personal toll it can take on those who navigate its uncertain waters.
