In a revelation that highlights the often-unseen struggles behind a joyful arrival, acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao has shared intimate details of the challenging path to motherhood before her son Azad’s birth, which included multiple miscarriages over a span of five years. This personal story came to light as Rao celebrated the recent success of her film ‘Laapataa Ladies’, marking a significant theatrical milestone.
Rao, in a candid interview with Zoom Entertainment, offered a glimpse into her life’s trials and triumphs, speaking openly about the emotional and physical trials she endured in her quest to become a mother. “The year that ‘Dhobi Ghat’ was created marked a turning point in my life – it was also the year that Azad was born,” Rao explained. Prior to this happy event, Rao struggled with “a lot of miscarriages,” combined with personal health issues that made the dream of having a child difficult to achieve. She admitted that her desire to have a child was so strong that when Azad finally arrived, he became her primary focus, making any career decision at that time redundant.
The birth of Azad led to a transformative period in Rao’s life. She chose to step back from her flourishing career in the film industry to dedicate her time to raising him, a choice that came with no regrets. It was a decision made from love and a moment in time that she describes as “some of the best years” of her life, a sentiment made even more profound as her return to filmmaking, via ‘Laapataa Ladies’, arrived a full decade after her directorial work on ‘Dhobi Ghat’.
This deeply personal journey of motherhood is further entwined with the narrative of her relationship with esteemed actor Aamir Khan. The couple, who married in 2005 and announced their separation in 2021, have co-parented their child and maintain a friendship. They have been candid about their choice to embrace IVF surrogacy as a means to have Azad, a decision they felt was important to share openly. Aamir Khan, in particular, has spoken about their happiness and the joy Azad has brought into their lives, advocating for honesty and transparency in their public disclosures.
Their journey was not without its share of public heartache. Aamir Khan had previously taken to his blog back in 2009 to share the saddening news of Rao’s miscarriage, displaying a moment of vulnerability and bringing attention to a matter that often remains unspoken.
As Rao reflects on her motherhood and career, there is a note of poignant courage and strength. Her willingness to share her challenges foregrounds the often unpredictable path to parenthood and the choices women make in balancing personal aspirations with family commitments. Through her narrative, one can recognize the myriad of experiences that coalesce in the life of a mother and artist. The tales of Rao’s miscarriages and eventual joy in Azad’s birth, followed by her hiatus from film to enjoy maternal bliss, form a story that resonates beyond the glittering veneers of the film industry, touching on universal themes of struggle, sacrifice, love, and fulfillment.
Today, as ‘Laapataa Ladies’ enjoys its successful run in theaters, it is not just testament to Rao’s directorial prowess, but also a mark of her return to a career that had patiently waited while she embarked on the arduous, yet ultimately rewarding journey of motherhood.
