Ava DuVernay: Aamir Khan is like Oprah Winfrey

Ava DuVernay and Aamir Khan

Academy Award-nominated director Ava DuVernay says she admires superstar Aamir Khan's work and compared him to Oprah Winfrey.

Ava DuVernay and Aamir Khan

"I have seen more of Aamir Khan's work. I have been learning about huge stars like Big B (Amitabh Bachchan) and a number of stars that people know here. And there in America people don't know many stars," Ava told PTI.

"I love him (Aamir). He has a magnetic quality, the activism and social justice work that he does is amazing. Also, his television show 'Satyamev Jayate' is great," she said.

Ava compared the star to Oprah Winfrey, the popular American actress-producer-talk show host.

"He (Aamir) is like Oprah Winfrey. Upfront... Who used to raise awareness of several issues on the show... So I respect all those who work in that way. I respect anyone who does that," Ava said.

The director was in Mumbai as part of the International Jury at the 17th MAMI film festival. She also spoke at a panel discussion on "Women In Films" with Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranuat, Shabana Azmi and Kiran Rao.

"I got to know Vidya here. I hope to stay in touch with her. I can have friendship and also hopefully work with her one day," Ava said.