MUMBAI: Aamir Khan is known as a perfectionist, planner and a performer to the core. However, it seems these adjectives did not fit him when he made a directorial debut for his home production Taare Zameen Par. He was "totally unprepared" to sit in the directors chair on the film.

"I was totally unprepared for it. I was not supposed to direct the film, but when I saw the rushes I was not satisfied. That is when I decided to take the reins, and I think I have learnt a lot in the process," Khan told reporters.

The actor's second home production following Lagaan, which was relased seven years ago, Taare Zameen Par has a huge cast of children and Aamir says working with so many kids was the best part.

"I know I was thrown into the deep end, but I think it worked out in the end. The film is now in its post production stages and it should be out by this December. It will be my only release this year," Aamir states.

The actor says that the enormous success of his first production Lagaan, which went on to gain an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, was to a large extent responsible for his entry into the field of production.

"I think Lagaan taught me a lot more as a human being than as a professional. I learnt a lot from the people of Kutch, who never, ever give up, no matter what the circumstances. I treasure the memories while producing Lagaan", he says.

The actor agrees that if he merely acted in the film and had not produced it, Lagaan would not have held such special place in his heart.