"He was always suggesting little tweaks, improvements": Omi Vaidya recalls working with Aamir Khan in '3 Idiots'

In a conversation with ANI, Vaidya fondly recalled his role as Chatur, saying, "'3 Idiots' changed my life in more ways than I could have imagined. The film wasn't just a career boost for me, but it also taught me so much about the power of humour and storytelling. The teamwork and the kind of energy we had on set was unparalleled. It was a dream come true for me to work with such talented actors. We all had a lot of fun, but the impact of the movie was something we never anticipated."

'3 Idiots' is a 2009 film written, edited and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, co-written by Abhijat Joshi and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film stars Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi in the main roles.

Vaidya spoke about the camaraderie he shared with his co-stars, particularly Aamir Khan, "When I worked with Aamir Khan, it wasn't just the things he told me that stood out; it was how he worked. Over the course of my career in Bollywood, I've acted with many well-known stars and been part of over a dozen commercials with A-list actors, so I've seen various work ethics. Many actors are great, they enjoy what they do, and some come from successful Bollywood families, so acting feels like a fun experience for them. "

He praised Aamir for his dedication to work and added, "He takes his craft extremely seriously. People often call him a perfectionist, but it's more than that. He's constantly looking for ways to improve his performance, the scene, and even other actors' performances. While shooting '3 Idiots', he wasn't the director, but he was always engaged--during rehearsals, during takes, and even when not in front of the camera."

"He was always suggesting little tweaks and improvements, both for himself and for others. And what stood out most was how open he was to suggestions from others. Aamir was always focused on making the film better, and that's something I truly admire. It's not always easy to maintain that level of commitment, especially in such a demanding industry, but Aamir made it look effortless. His dedication to making the best possible film was inspiring," Omi added.

Now, Vaidya is back with his latest project, 'American Warrior', a film directed by Gustavo Martin Benites, an award-winning Peruvian American director based in Chicago. The action-drama was screened at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

"In the film, I play a negative character who pushes the main character down and doesn't believe in him, adding a bit of conflict to the story. It's an action-packed movie with intense fighting scenes, but also a heartwarming story of personal growth. The main character's performance, along with Danny Trejo and the rest of the cast, is really strong, making for an exciting and inspiring watch."

"The film's gripping story centres on Jai Kumar (role played by Indian-American actor, Vishy Ayyar). A former convict and amateur MMA fighter who rises from obscurity to local fame after thwarting a convenience store robbery. As Jai navigates newfound and unwelcome attention, he is pushed to confront his past demons and strive for transformation. He is entered into a local MMA tournament, setting him on an intense training journey to win," as per the official synopsis.

This film offers a fresh perspective on Indian Americans, showing them not just in comedic or dramatic roles, but also in action-packed, intense situations. "In American cinema, Indian Americans are often depicted as successful, wealthy, or stereotypically high-achieving. However, this film seeks to show a more realistic side of Indian Americans, highlighting those who struggle, live modestly, and face challenges in their personal lives similar to people from any culture," added Omi.

The heartfelt story of an Indian immigrant set in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) centres on the universal theme of redemption and second chances.

"This is a role that allowed me to explore a completely different side of myself. It's an action-packed movie, but it also delves into deeper themes of identity and the immigrant experience," Vaidya shared.

"The film is much more than just action sequences," Vaidya emphasized. "It's about understanding the emotional and psychological battles that these soldiers face as they try to navigate their lives in two different worlds."

As Vaidya continues to carve his path in both Hollywood and Indian cinema, he remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. "I feel blessed to have had such diverse roles and I can't wait for the audience to see 'American Warrior'," he concluded.

'American Warrior' is expected to release in April 2025. (ANI)