In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bollywood star Aamir Khan revealed that he once made the momentous decision to retire from acting. The acclaimed actor, who has been a towering figure in Hindi cinema for over three decades, shared how his family responded with a mix of tears, laughter, and eventually, persuasive encouragement that led him to reconsider his decision.
Aamir admitted that he initially planned to step away from films before the release of Laal Singh Chaddha. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “I decided to quit before Laal Singh Chadha. I was going through a personal journey. At the end of Covid, I suddenly realized that almost my entire adult life, starting from the age of 18, has been dedicated solely to cinema.”
He went on to describe the guilt he felt for prioritizing work over his relationships, saying, “I felt that I haven’t been there enough for my relationships – my kids, siblings, and family. Whether it was Kiran or Reena, when I was married to them, I felt that I wasn’t there for these people enough.” This introspective moment led him to announce his intention to retire to his family, seeking to dedicate more time to them and make up for lost moments.
His ex-wife, Kiran Rao, and his children, Junaid and Ira, were visibly impacted by the news. Aamir recalled, “I sat my family down and told them that I want to quit films and spend time with you all… Junaid and Ira convinced me not to quit.” Junaid urged his father to find a balance, advising, “Why do you have to go from one extreme to the other? There is a space somewhere in the middle.” This heartfelt conversation ultimately led Aamir to reconsider his decision.
Kiran also shared her own emotional reaction. She pulled Aamir aside, saying, “You are leaving us,” expressing that cinema is so intertwined with his identity that giving it up felt like a separation from his family itself. She jokingly added, “Can you imagine him sitting at home and not doing any films? His daughter even told him, ‘Please papa, you can’t spend all your time with us, we will go crazy.’”
Following his family’s insistence, Aamir returned to the industry, throwing himself back into work with renewed purpose. “I signed six films because I wanted to make the last 10 years of my active life as an actor the most productive,” he explained. Aiming to collaborate with creative minds, Aamir hopes to make his next decade in the industry impactful, while keeping his loved ones close.
This revelation offers fans a glimpse into Aamir Khan’s life beyond the screen, showcasing his dedication to both his craft and his family as he navigates the delicate balance between the two.
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