Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has revealed that filming for his ambitious adaptation of the Mahabharat will begin in August 2025 — but with a surprising twist.

He intends to cast only new and unknown actors, saying established names, including himself, will not feature in the mythological saga.

Speaking to SCREEN, Khan described Mahabharat as “dangerous” and “in his blood”, insisting it was a story he “needs to tell.” He confirmed it will not be a single film, but a series of movies, potentially modelled after epic cinematic franchises like The Lord of the Rings.

“For me, the characters are the stars,” Khan said. “I want unknown faces. There’ll be an entirely new cast.”

He also hinted that Mahabharat could be his final project, stating: “Once I’ve done it, I might feel there’s nothing more I can do after that.”

On the personal front, Khan opened up about his relationship with wellness expert Gauri Spratt, describing it as deeply committed. “In my heart, I’m already married to her,” he said, while adding that a formal wedding hasn’t been decided yet.

Despite mixed reactions to his previous project Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir found success with Sitaare Zameen Par, which reignited his passion for meaningful cinema. He recalled how he was advised against doing the film but followed his instincts — a pattern consistent throughout his career.

The announcement of Mahabharat has stirred significant interest, not only because of its religious and cultural sensitivity, but also due to the risks involved in retelling such a sacred epic. Aamir has previously expressed admiration for Lord Krishna, though he now appears to be staying away from playing any character himself to avoid controversy.

As the project gears up, all eyes are on Aamir Khan — not just for the film, but for the bold choices that could shape how one of India’s greatest stories is retold on the big screen.