Aamir Khan's debut in musical album

Top Bollywood actor and Oscar nominee, producer Aamir Khan (R), actress Gauri Karnik (L) and director Baba Azmi (C) pose before shooting a music video called "Pyar Ka Jashn' ('Celebration Of Love'), based on selected poems of noted poet, the late Kaifi Azmi (portrait in background) in Bombay, 10 June 2003. Khan, reportedly the highest paid actor in Bollywood, is performing for the first time in a music video which will be released in July 2003. Photo: AFP

While essaying that role has not inspired Khan to be a rebel in a film industry that firmly believes in the status quo and highly commercial formula, Khan all the same is not hesitant to make foray into new area and does not seem to easily lose heart over failure.

Breaking free briefly from the big screen, Aamir Khan is set to make his debut in musical album based on works by eminent Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi. The album, featuring the star actor along with upcoming actress Gauri Karnik, is scheduled for release next week.

The star told reporters in Bombay yesterday that it is his way of paying tribute to Kaifi Azmi, the poet he has admired and respected. That is why he could not turn away when the poet's son Baba Azmi, who has directed the video music album, had offered Khan the role.

"It was purely an emotional decision to do the album," said the actor, adding "I hope the album reflects Kaifi Azmi's vision of life.

The musical album shows Khan in the role of a photo journalist who has seen the seamy side of life and seeks comfort in the company of his girl friend.

But appearance in musical album is one-off event for Khan who says there is no more forthcoming. He said he made an exception in this case only because of Kaifi Azmi.

The album, based on eight poems by Kaifi Azmi, is titled "Jab Bhi Choom Leta Hoon In Haseen Aankhon Ko" (Whenever I Kiss these Beautiful Eyes)."

"I take pride that we produce musicals and I don't think we need to do something different only to break a myth. Should we stop making musicals only because our film did not meet with success at the Oscars?" said Khan.