Walking in a woman's high heels: Aamir Khan

Couch potatoes will have seen Aamir Khan's new persona -- that of Manno Bhabi. The talented actor has donned a delicate pink shalwar-kameez and long locks to give the appearance of a beautiful housewife on the Coke ad. Asked for his motivation in doing this unusual role, Aamir in a recent interview explains, "I was playing just another character. The only difference this time was that I had to play a double role. Pulling it off was quite a challenge. But then all the earlier ads were challenging too."

The latest ads are made in collaboration with adman and film writer Prasoon Joshi. Other talented people behind the scenes are make-up whiz Mickey Contractor, dress designer Neeta Lulla for Aamir as the housewife and Rocky S for Aamir the NRI rapper.

It was tough pulling off looking like a woman, reveals Aamir, who points out that it took him all of three hours to dress up.

The ad, shot by Bangalee feature film director Abhijeet Chowdhury, took four days to can. Aamir has an explanation. To quote him, "I had to shoot every scene twice, first as the female and then as the male...It was quite a satisfying experience to know that I could pull off the roles."

This is not the first time that Aamir has essayed the role of a woman. Ten years ago he enacted the role of a seductive crooner in Baazi. In the long run, he says it's a question of belief.

"You really have to believe in what you are doing and the way you're doing it. And above all, you have to enjoy yourself. That's the way it is with me," maintains Aamir.

Compiled by Cultural Correspondent