27 years ago, Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan, delivered a cult classic that still holds a special place in our hearts, Ghulam. Released on this day, the film became an instant hit and remains one of the most iconic chapters in Aamir’s cinematic journey. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, Ghulam gave us unforgettable moments, from its raw intensity and gritty street-side vibe to powerful dialogues and Aamir’s fearless, unfiltered performance. Whether it was the legendary train scene or the anthem “Aati Kya Khandala,” the film captured the pulse of a generation. Here are 5 reasons why Ghulam still deserves a rewatch, even after 27 years.
Raw and Relatable Performances
Everyone from the cast, including Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Sharath Saxena, Deepak Tijori, and more, delivered strong, relatable performances. But it was Aamir as Siddharth “Siddhu” Marathe who stood out, bringing depth, rebellion, and raw emotion to a role that still resonates today.
Aati Kya Khandala: Aamir Khan’s Singing Debut
One of the most iconic songs from the film, Aati Kya Khandala, still remains a fan favourite. Sung by Aamir Khan and Alka Yagnik, it marked Aamir’s singing debut and became an instant youth anthem. With cheeky lyrics and fun, flirty chemistry with Rani, Aamir’s rowdy charm shone through.
The Iconic Train Scene: Shot without a body double
Aamir Khan is known for keeping it real, and Ghulam proved just that. The now-legendary train scene, where he runs toward an oncoming train and jumps off the tracks, was performed by Aamir himself, no body double. Shot with real trains and razor-sharp timing, it became a milestone in Indian cinema.
Memorable Dialogues
Dialogues are one of the most powerful aspects of a film, and Ghulam gave the film its emotional and moral depth. Lines like “Agar darr ke aage jeet hai… toh darr ke aage bhi koi jeet hoti hai kya?” and “Main bhai ke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hoon” still resonate deeply with audiences.
Strong Climax
The climax of Ghulam packed a powerful emotional punch. It wasn’t just about action, it was about redemption. Aamir’s character, Siddhu, finally stands up against injustice, confronting fear and reclaiming his voice. The raw intensity, emotional weight, and gripping final moments made it one of Aamir’s most impactful cinematic endings.
