Renowned filmmaker Kiran Rao recently shed light on her experience of co-parenting with one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed actors, Aamir Khan. The duo, having parted ways in 2021, continue to navigate the complexities of raising their son Azad in a shared custody arrangement. In an exclusive interaction on Kareena Kapoor’s popular chat show “What Women Want,” Kiran offered an honest glimpse into the adjustments and adaptations involved in co-parenting with Aamir Khan.
Kiran, known for her articulate and thoughtful perspectives, opened up about the transformation their co-parenting dynamics have undergone over time. She highlighted that while the process was initially challenging, it has evolved to become “much smoother” as the years have passed. Despite Aamir’s stature as a highly sought-after actor with an immensely busy schedule, Kiran reassures that the co-parenting experience has reached a point of harmony that was not as evident in the early days post their separation.
Kiran’s conversation with Kareena Kapoor unveiled that Aamir tends to maintain a certain distance from school-related affairs. She candidly expressed, “He is a busy father. Honestly, even when we were married, I was doing a lot of the primary parenting. Once we got separated and then divorced, Aamir realized how crucial it was for him to consciously make time for Azad.” She further delved into the specifics of their arrangement, mentioning, “Only Aamir knows nothing about school. I think it’s a majority of dads’ problem. They are always like, ‘Don’t get us involved in school-related activities, we will take up other things’.”
Aamir and Kiran’s collaborative approach to parenting highlights the evolving nature of post-divorce family structures. Kiran illuminated how physical proximity continues to play a role in facilitating a smoother parenting experience.
. She mentioned, “Luckily, right now, we are upstairs and downstairs, but whenever we leave, we won’t be far away.” The proximity is a strategic choice, ensuring that Azad enjoys quality time with both parents. As Azad grows older, he has relished spending time with Aamir, bridging the gap between a busy father’s career and his parenting responsibilities.
In the same stride of nurturing a family, Kiran Rao continues to make significant strides in the realm of filmmaking. Her recent visit to the London School of Economics (LSE) highlighted a pivotal moment as her latest cinematic venture, ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ received recognition as India’s official entry for the Oscars. The discussions at LSE revolved around her ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling in Indian cinema. During a conversation with Professor Shakuntala Banaji and Sanam Arora, Kiran conveyed her dedication to fostering social change through film.
Kiran’s narrative and engagement at LSE underscore her relentless pursuit of innovation and advocacy through the medium of cinema. Her experiences resonate with her overarching narrative of balancing personal challenges with professional aspirations; her personal life intricately intertwines with her professional commitments, portraying a multifaceted figure who thrives on addressing both spheres with profound dedication.
Her reflections offer a testament to her resolve and adaptability, providing inspiration for many navigating similar paths. The candid revelations about her personal life, intertwined with her professional insights, reflect a journey marked by perseverance and vision.
This approach Kiran Rao takes towards co-parenting and professional commitments creates a powerful narrative of resilience and collaboration. Her dialogue serves as an insightful window into the changes in contemporary familial roles, revealing how influential figures negotiate personal and vocational challenges. As Kiran Rao continues to carve new paths in cinema while maintaining a balanced approach to parenting, she offers a valuable perspective on the possibilities of harmonizing diverse life roles.
