Any other actor in his place would've gone tom-toming to the world about his clout at the box-office, but Aamir Khan continues to be as level-headed as ever, with his feet firmly planted on the ground.

"I always knew GHAJINI would fetch a big start, but I didn't expect the start to be so huge. I am surprised, " Aamir tells me as we sit down for a free-wheeling conversation.

What really clicked? Has he done some introspection? "Various factors! The director (A.R. Murugadoss) had come up with a riveting script. I knew that would be its trump card. The marketing team also deserves to be complimented.

Plus, the fact that I work in limited films - on an average, one per year - and that must've generated curiosity for this film... The credit should go to Murugadoss mainly. He deserves brownie points, " Aamir says with utmost modesty.

Now that GHAJINI has released, Aamir moves on to 3 IDIOTS, directed by Rajkumar Hirani. "I am enjoying working with Raju. He's a terrific storyteller, " he smiles.

Is he pumping iron to retain the muscular look for this film? "No, no... Raju wants a lean look for the film, so I've stopped working out since the past few months. I need to look different for this film, " he divulges.

Flush with the success of his home-productions TAARE ZAMEEN PAR and JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA, Aamir has started three more films. And like his previous endeavours, the three films are being helmed by first-time directors. One of the projects is, in fact, being directed by his wife Kiran.

"I am not producing this project. I'm funding and presenting it. Besides, I am also acting in Kiran's film, " Aamir says.

Tentatively titled DHOBI GHAT, Aamir says that the film revolves around four characters primarily, the other three being Prateek Babbar and two new girls. "Prateek is evolving into a very fine actor, " he states.

The conversation veers to Aamir and SRK acting in a movie together. Is it possible? "Of course, it is! I am open to working with SRK. I have no problems.

Only thing, the script has to do justice to the two actors. I'm sure there're a lot of capable directors who'd be interested in signing this combination, " he states.

Any director who can get this dream cast together? "Oh yes, Mani Ratnam, Ashutosh Gowariker, Farhan Akhtar, there're so many talented names out there. I'm game to work with a new director as well if he has the right script, " he says.