‘Doctors aren’t just lifesavers; they’re human too’

Known for his ability to effortlessly switch between a wide range of characters,  with his signature charm and candid insights,
in an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, the versatile and pioneering actor Aamir Ali, opens up about the challenges and joys of portraying complex roles, the meticulous preparation required for his latest project and what it takes to truly bring a story to life. We also
explore the depths of his craft, his journey in the entertainment industry, and his compelling new role in the medical drama Doctors
Tejal Sinha

Aamir Ali is a name that resonates with versatility and passion in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning from television to different other mediums, Aamir has proven time and again that he is more than just an actor—he is a storyteller who brings his characters to life with unmatched depth and authenticity. Known for his compelling performances in both drama and comedy, his work has captivated audiences across a variety of genres.
His latest project, the medical drama Doctors, marks a new chapter in his career, where he plays Dr. Dhaval, a complex character navigating the highs and lows of the medical world. The show takes a unique approach to the lives of doctors, offering a glimpse into their personal struggles and the toll their demanding profession takes on them. With his dedication, emotional depth and eye for meaningful roles, he continues to solidify his place as one of the most exciting and respected actors in the industry. In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, the F.I.R  actor opens up about his experience working on this project, his thoughts on the character of Dr. Dhaval and the challenges of portraying such a complex role.
When asked about his initial feelings before embarking on a new project, Ali admits that a sense of jitteriness is always part of the process. “Whenever I start a project, I’m always jittery. That’s the only thing I’m jittery about—the project itself,” he shared. “I’m very particular, very concerned about the little things. There’s always this self-doubt, wondering whether I should do it or not. But once I’m sure about the project, I surrender completely to it, and then I stop questioning things.”
His methodical approach was evident when he first met the team behind Doctors. “When I met producer Sidharth Malhotra the producer and director Sahil, I was gauging everyone. I needed to understand the script,” he said. “It was pretty visible on my face, the uncertainty, but I could feel that there was something special about this project. The way they were planning it, it was unlike any other series I had seen before. This wasn’t just about an incident happening in a doctor’s life; it was about their lives, what they go through on a personal and professional level.”
Aamir explained how Doctors sets itself apart from other medical dramas. “There are shows made about doctors, but most of them are incident-based. This one is different. Yes, there are medical aspects, but it’s much more about the emotions and experiences of the doctors. We take doctors for granted, considering them lifesavers, but their job is often thankless. They’re expected to be available 24/7. If they don’t pick up the phone at 3 in the morning, we blame them,” the Faraaz fame pointed out. “But the show also acknowledges that they can make mistakes and get tired. It shows them as real people who deal with complex emotions, which is something I found very beautiful about the script.”
Regarding the show’s overall tone, hepraised the subtle approach taken by the makers. “What I loved about the show is that it’s not preachy. It presents the right kind of information, but it doesn’t hit you over the head with it. It feels authentic and true to the lives of doctors, without trying to lecture the audience.”
As the conversation shifted to the release of the trailer and the audience’s response, The Trial actor expressed his excitement. “The trailer gives you a glimpse of the show, but trust me, the show is so much better. I was blown away when I saw parts of it. I had high expectations, but it turned out even better than I imagined. The look, the feel, everything about it is top-notch. People have even compared it to international shows, which is a huge compliment. It’s thrilling and gives that kind of vibe.”
Aamir plays Dr. Dhaval, a doctor with a complex past. While he couldn’t reveal too much about his character, he shared a little about what makes him unique. “Dr. Dhaval is a man who’s been through a lot in life—anger, betrayal, but also peace. He’s a very layered character and that’s what drew me to him. He’s complicated, and that’s what makes him interesting. When you watch the show, you’ll understand why he’s such a complex guy.”
Discussing the challenges of portraying such a character, he shared that it was not an easy role. “This show was difficult for a number of reasons,” he admitted. “We had workshops on what to do and what not to do and that really helped us get into character. The director’s style was very particular; we did many takes from different angles, which was exhausting. But once you see the final product, you’ll understand why it was necessary to get the mood just right.”
Another challenge was mastering the technical language and the medical procedures. “We had to learn a lot of technical terms and some of them were quite complex. We also had to be trained on how to wear surgical gloves, handle medical instruments, and wear the gear a surgeon wears. It was all very precise, and we had two doctors—Dr. Agni and Dr. Jeev—on set to guide us. They made sure we did everything correctly, from how to move to how to pronounce the medical terms properly.”
When asked about memorable moments from the shoot, Aamir reflected on the intensity of the surgical scenes. “There were some surreal moments. We used silicone models for surgeries, and they were so realistic. When you’re doing a neurosurgery scene, it feels so real that it honestly makes you nervous. You’re trying to get everything right and it’s a lot to take in.”
The conversation then turned to his admiration for OTT projects, which he had expressed in a previous interview. “I’ve always loved the freedom and boldness that OTT platforms offer. There’s a lot of great content out there and Doctors is one of those projects that stands out. It’s thrilling, emotional, and realistic. It’s exciting to be part of such a great show. I’m happy to be working with amazing makers and I think the audience will really appreciate this one.”
Looking ahead, Aamir teased some exciting future projects but was unable to share details. “I’m working on something interesting, but I can’t talk about it right now,” he said with a smile. “I’m bound by confidentiality, but it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
As Aamir continues to take on new roles and challenges, one thing is clear: Doctors is a project he is incredibly proud of. With its unique perspective on the medical profession and a cast committed to authenticity, Doctors promises to be a must-watch series as it is currently streaming on Jio Cinema.