Vir Das is gearing up for his directorial debut with Aamir Khan Productions’ upcoming film, ‘Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos’. He recently spoke about working with Aamir Khan and said the experience flipped common assumptions about superstar demands. Das described an actor who arrives prepared, keeps things simple, and sets a calm tone on set. He also admitted the scale of the moment hit him in real time when the cameras rolled, and he realised he was directing one of India’s biggest stars.
What Vir Das said on a podcast?
Vir Das appeared on a podcast on Hook’s YouTube channel and shared how the team planned the schedule around Aamir Khan. “We’re like we’re going to shoot with Aamir last because we really want to have our shit together and have a tight-functioning unit,” he said. Das added that the crew expected extra arrangements once Khan arrived. “You’re imagining the day he comes on set, three more vanity vans will be required.”Das then explained what actually happened when Khan reported for the shoot. “Aamir Khan comes half an hour early and uses half a double-door vanity van, with an entourage that he takes care of,” he said. The detail, Das noted, changed the mood on set and challenged the usual idea of what a star needs. He also recalled pausing after Khan’s first take. “I took a 30-second pause because I didn’t believe that I was directing the superstar,” he said.
Why the moment stayed with him
Das said he tried to stay focused, even while fighting the urge to react as a fan. “You’re trying very hard to fanboy,” he said. He then described what he saw through the lens. “You also realise, in that moment, that some people just have this magical, ethereal thing that they bring on to the screen, which you can see in real time.” He laughed as he compared it with the rest of the cast. “You’ve shot with the entire cast, including yourself, who do not have that thing (laughs).”Das also credited Khan for being open to experimentation. “We improvised with him on an insane level with our suggestions. And he was just super secure,” he said.The trailer for ‘Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos’ released recently and leans into humor and quirky beats. The film is produced under Aamir Khan Productions and stars Mona Singh, Sharib Hashmi, and Mithila Palkar in pivotal roles. It will be released in theaters on January 16, 2026. The project also marks Imran Khan’s return to the screen and reunites Vir Das, Imran Khan, and Aamir Khan after ‘Delhi Belly’.
