Omi Vaidya recalls working with Aamir Khan in ‘3 Idiots’, says this

Role in Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots’ made actor Omi Vaidya a household name. He recently spoke candidly about the action-packed forthcoming film “American Warrior” and his experiences working with Aamir Khan on the film.

Vaidya spoke positively about his part as Chatur in an interview with ANI, stating, “‘3 Idiots’ changed my life in more ways than I could have imagined.” In addition to helping me advance my profession, the movie taught me a lot about the value of humor and narrative. We experienced an unmatched level of collaboration and excitement on set. Working with such brilliant performers was a dream come true for me. Although the effect of the film was unexpected, we all had a great time.

The 2009 movie “3 Idiots” was co-authored by Abhijat Joshi, produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and written, edited, and directed by Rajkumar Hirani. Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, and Aamir Khan play the key parts in the movie.

“When I worked with Aamir Khan, it wasn’t just the things he told me that stood out; it was how he worked,” Vaidya said, referring to the friendship he had with his co-stars, especially Aamir Khan. I have performed alongside several well-known celebrities during my Bollywood career, and I have been in more than a dozen advertisements with A-list performers, so I have seen a variety of work ethics.

Many performers are fantastic, love what they do, and others are from wealthy Bollywood families, so for them, performing is enjoyable.

“He takes his craft extremely seriously,” he said, complimenting Aamir on his commitment to effort. Although he is often described as a perfectionist, he is more than that. He’s always trying to find ways to make the situation, himself, and even the performances of other performers better. Even though he wasn’t the director of “3 Idiots,” he was always involved—during takes, rehearsals, and even when he wasn’t in front of the camera.”

“He was always making little adjustments and enhancements, both for himself and for other people. Most notable was his receptiveness to recommendations from others. I really respect Aamir’s unwavering commitment to improving the movie. Maintaining that degree of dedication isn’t always simple, particularly in such a hard field, but Aamir made it seem easy. His commitment to creating the greatest movie possible was admirable,” Omi said.

Vaidya has returned with his most recent effort, “American Warrior,” which was helmed by Chicago-based, award-winning Peruvian American filmmaker Gustavo Martin Benites. The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa hosted a screening of the action-drama.

“I portray a negative character in the movie who undermines and doesn’t believe in the main character, which gives the plot a little tension. In addition to having thrilling battle sequences, the film tells a touching tale of character development. The main character, Danny Trejo, and the rest of the actors all provide excellent performances, which make for an engaging and motivational viewing experience.

“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.