One of the most revered British cinema and theatre actors, Sir Ian Mckellen is currently in Mumbai on a special programme marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan conversed with the veteran actor on Monday evening at a session attended by fans of Sir Ian, also comprising actors and filmmakers including Sonam Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Kangana Ranaut, Imran Khan, Kabir Khan, Sudhir Mishra and Kiran Rao. It also marked the launch of the Mumbai Film Club. The conversation unveiled various facets of the lives of host Aamir and his guest. For the first time, we saw our Mr perfectionist subconsciously slipping into the role of an ardent fan, diligently making notes in his head. Speaking of challenges, Aamir stated how working with directors who didn't share his sensibilities in the initial few years of his career was distressing.Displaying that trademark Brit humour, Sir Ian revealed that making love to women on screen was most challenging for him, as being gay, he didn't know what he had to do. Stressing on why it was important to come out in the open about his sexual orientation, he added, “I was 49 when I came out. My acting became less of a disguise, more of a revelation after that. It's not easy for an actor as you always wonder how the world might perceive you and if it would affect the roles offered, but that didn't happen. Fortunately, I've never been out of work. My phone hasn't stopped ringing and my biggest fan base is female.“

Aamir also stressed on how living a character helps him do compete justice to it. Be it getting actually drunk to portray such scenes or pretending to love a woman even if that's not the case. “You don't have to fall in love with an actress, but you have to believe you have if the role requires it. I have romanced women on screen who I didn't get along with for a certain period. Juhi (Chawla) and I were at loggerheads during Ishq,“ he revealed. The Brit actor also inspired all to believe in oneself by saying how someone as immensely talented as Judi Dench was told she doesn't have the face of an actor. The highlight of the evening was when Sir Ian delivered a monologue from Sir Thomas More's powerful speech.

Bombay Times met the duo backstage for a brief chat post the session and here's what they had to say...

Sir Ian, Aamir is one of our finest actors, we saw him turn into a fanboy in front of you.
(Laughs) We are all fans and that's the most wonderful thing about being an actor! You get to meet your heroes and realise that we are all the same.

Any Hindi films of Aamir that you have seen?
Ian: I have seen a few of them and I have got a lot more to go.
Aamir: He has seen Taare Zameen Par.

Aamir, which is your favourite work of Sir Ian?
That's a difficult one because I have liked every role he has played. But the one that really bowled me over was Richard III That was really amazing.
Ian: I could imagine you being in that. I don't know what part. You can play Richard. You have got the charm for it.

Has India had any influence on you as a person?
Ian: I don't know yet. You have to ask me that once I am gone home.

Is this your first visit to the country?
Ian: I have been to Rajasthan as a tourist, but haven't been involved in the life here and I have just been here for two days now.

Aamir, any place in Mumbai that you would like to take him to?
Ian: Any gay clubs you know?
(laughs) Aamir: Ha ha, well I would have liked to take him to Elephanta Caves.
Ian: Yes, but we've got a busy schedule. So not on this occasion, but next time may be. I have been to the Gandhi ashram.