Aamir Ali has been part of the entertainment industry for years, though acting wasn’t always his plan—he initially aspired to work behind the scenes in a creative role. However, life led him to modeling, and over time, he discovered a growing passion for acting. His journey, like any career, has had its ups and downs, with patience being one of the biggest challenges. Adopting a sportsman’s mindset, he learned to stay confident, work hard, and trust the process. From television to films and OTT, each experience has shaped him as an actor—while TV trained him well, he appreciates how OTT and films push him to break patterns and keep performances fresh. In this candid conversation, Aamir opens up about his career, personal style, social media, and staying mentally and physically fit—just Aamir Ali, unfiltered.
You’ve been in the entertainment industry for years. What inspired you to pursue acting and modeling?
I never initially planned to be an actor—I wanted to be in the industry but on the creative side. I started with modeling, and my love for acting grew gradually. It wasn’t love at first sight, but over time, I fell for the craft of performing. What keeps me going is my passion for it. Every time I step on set, I treat it like a fun experience, something I truly enjoy, and I’m fortunate to get paid for doing what I love.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Patience. In any career, waiting for the right opportunities is tough. Fortunately, I have a sportsman’s mindset—I’m confident, I go for what I want, and I have patience. At times, I even feel lazy in the process, but I know patience is key to achieving the best work.
Many people admire your journey. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to those struggling to make it in the industry?
I’m grateful for the admiration, as I, too, look up to so many people in this industry. My advice is simple: only pursue this path if you truly love it. But also, balance passion with security. Many get so blinded by the craft that they forget to secure themselves. I kept my first job as a cabin crew even while modeling, only committing fully when I was sure. Love what you do, but don’t dive in blindly—balance is everything.
Looking back, was there a defining moment in your career that changed everything for you?
There have been several defining moments. Stepping into television was a major shift when my films hadn’t released. Winning Nach Baliye and venturing into dance, trying comedy in F.I.R., and later moving to OTT to explore myself as an actor were all pivotal. Even before acting, transitioning from my airline job to modeling was a big leap. Each step forward has shaped my journey.
If you weren’t an actor, what other career path would you have taken and why?
If not an actor, I could have been many things—a director, a cinematographer, or even a captain, as many of my airline colleagues pursued commercial pilot licenses. I also have a good understanding of business, so I could have ventured into real estate or entrepreneurship. But acting gives you something beyond money—the love and admiration of people, which is priceless. With so many aspiring actors, I feel truly blessed to be where I am today.
As our audience knows, fitness is a big part of an actor’s life. What’s your workout routine like?
Fitness has always been a priority for me. I love food, especially sweets and desserts, but in the past five to six months, I’ve cut back significantly on maida and sugar, and it’s made a huge difference in my body and routine. I enjoy working out and playing sports, which helps me stay fit. I prefer a lean, healthy body over bulky muscles, and I’ve always maintained that. My philosophy is simple—don’t go by what people say about your body, go by how your clothes fit. My measurements have stayed the same for over 15-20 years, and that consistency keeps me in check.
How do you maintain a balanced diet while managing a hectic shooting schedule? Does being an actor ever require you to bring a drastic change into your diet?
I’ve been lucky to have a fast metabolism, but recently, I’ve made changes—mainly cutting down on sugar and processed foods, and it’s made a huge impact. Even with a hectic schedule, I make sure to eat four to five small, healthy meals a day. In fact, when I’m shooting, my diet is at its best because everything is planned. I don’t believe in taking unnecessary supplements—I never have. The key is to keep things simple: eat right, stay active, and maintain consistency.
Mental health is just as important as physical fitness. How do you deal with stress and pressure in the industry?
Mental health is everything, especially in this industry, where uncertainty is constant. A show can shut down overnight, a project can fall through at the last minute—you have to be mentally prepared for anything. My approach is to focus on happiness. No matter what happens, I don’t let it affect my peace of mind. At the end of the day, if you’re happy, you can handle anything.
What’s one fitness myth that you think people should stop believing?
A major myth is that cutting carbs completely or skipping meals helps with fitness. That’s completely wrong. Your body needs a balanced diet—carbs, proteins, fats, and even some natural sugars. If you starve yourself, you’ll lose muscle, look weak, and feel exhausted. The key is to eat the right quantity, have three to four small meals a day, and stay active. A healthy body is about balance, not extreme diets.
Do you have any morning or nighttime rituals that help you stay focused and energized?
My morning routine is great, but my night routine needs improvement—I sleep too late. In the morning, I start with warm water and kalonji (black seeds) soaked overnight, as well as methi dana pani which helps with bloating. I also have fruits and coconut water to stay hydrated and energized. While my mornings are well-structured, I definitely need to work on sleeping earlier at night.
You’ve been in both television and films. What’s the biggest difference between working in these two mediums? How does the audience differ?
Television, OTT, and films are completely different mediums, each with its own demands. Television is like a full-time job—you’re on set 22 to 28 days a month, shooting daily. On the other hand, OTT and films offer more creative liberty. You get the script in advance, allowing time for preparation, character development, and experimentation.
However, television is excellent training—it teaches discipline, adaptability, and consistency. But I’ve also learned that when transitioning to OTT or films, you need to unlearn certain habits. TV performances can become predictable because of the daily routine, whereas in OTT and films, unpredictability is key. You need to surprise yourself to surprise the audience.
As for the audience, TV has a loyal, long-term viewership, often family-oriented. OTT caters to a more niche, experimental audience that enjoys diverse content. Films have a larger-than-life appeal, where the audience expects grandeur and spectacle.
Fashion plays a big role in the entertainment industry. How would you describe your personal style?
I have a very casual approach to fashion. Even at events, I prefer a relaxed, effortless look. My style is heavily influenced by streetwear—I love comfortable yet stylish outfits that don’t feel overdone. Sneakers are a big part of my wardrobe; I absolutely love them. Even during shoots, my brief to my stylist is always "dressy but casual"—a mix of sharp and laid-back.
Who are some actors or industry figures that inspire you, and why?
There are so many! From childhood, I’ve been a huge Amitabh Bachchan fan. I still remember watching Agneepath in theaters for the first time—when he buttoned his coat and delivered that legendary dialogue, people started throwing coins, and that moment stuck with me. He’s been my idol ever since.
During my growing-up years, the three Khans—Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir—were also a huge inspiration. But honestly, every few years, there’s a new actor or performance that leaves a mark. Our industry is evolving constantly, and I find inspiration in the sheer talent around me.
In an era of social media, do you feel pressure to maintain a certain image online? How do you handle it?
Social media has become a huge part of our lives, but I don’t let it dictate mine. I know a lot of people who leverage it to build their brand and make money, which is great. Back in the day, the industry had only 20-25 TV stars at any given time. Now, thanks to social media, so many young talents are getting a platform to showcase their work.
Some content is amazing, some is cringy, but at the end of the day, everyone is doing their thing, and I respect that. Personally, I don’t take any pressure to follow trends. If you look at my social media, it’s just me—no forced trends, no over-the-top gimmicks. I keep it cool, fun, and authentic to who I am.
If you could collaborate with any director or actor in the future, who would it be and why?
There are too many to name! The industry is evolving so fast, and every year, new filmmakers and actors are redefining cinema. Thanks to OTT, we’re seeing incredible storytelling and performances across different genres. My greed as an actor has only grown—I want to work with as many talented people as possible, both veterans and newcomers.
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some amazing directors like Hansal Mehta, Suparna Verma, and Jay Mehta. Hansal sir’s Scam 1992 was a game-changer, and his son also produced Scoop, which I was a part of. I just want to keep working with filmmakers who challenge the norms and bring fresh perspectives to storytelling.