After an illustrious career spanning decades, Aamir Khan, famously known as ‘Mr. Perfectionist’ of Bollywood, has made the surprising decision to step away from the silver screen. Aamir, who has been a cornerstone of the Indian film industry, has decided to prioritize his family after realizing that his intense focus on his career has taken a toll on his personal life. This revelation came as a shock not only to his fans but also to his close family members, including his ex-wife Kiran Rao and his children.
A Decision That Shocked Everyone
Aamir Khan recently opened up about his decision to retire from films during an interview. He shared that when he first broke the news to his ex-wife Kiran Rao, she was taken aback. The actor explained how this decision was not made lightly but stemmed from a deep need to reconnect with his family, something he had neglected due to his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Kiran, who has been a significant part of Aamir’s life and career, was emotional upon hearing his decision. She expressed her concern, saying, “You are leaving us all.” Aamir reassured her that his choice to retire was driven by his desire to spend more time with his family, but Kiran responded, “No, you are not able to understand this yet. If you are leaving this, then you are leaving life and the world. We are also a part of that world and that is why you are leaving us too.”
The Children’s Reaction: A Pendulum of Emotions
Aamir’s children, Junaid, Ira, and Azad, also had their share of emotions when they learned about their father’s retirement. Junaid, Aamir’s eldest son, shared his thoughts with a striking metaphor. He told Aamir, “Papa, you are like a pendulum. When you were doing films, you were at one extreme; now when you want to spend time with family, you are at the other extreme. You are a very extreme person and again you are taking an extreme step.”
This statement from Junaid highlights the intensity with which Aamir has lived his life—whether it was his dedication to filmmaking or his newfound resolve to be present for his family. The decision wasn’t just about leaving films; it was about Aamir trying to balance the pendulum of his life, which had swung too far in one direction for too long.
A Mental Breakdown and the Road to Healing
Aamir’s journey to this decision wasn’t easy. He revealed that he went through a mental breakdown during this period of introspection. The actor described how he was consumed by guilt and pain, realizing that while he had been physically present with his family, he was often mentally absent due to the demands of his career. This realization hit him hard, leading to a period of intense emotional turmoil.
Aamir admitted that he sought therapy to help him navigate this challenging time. He found therapy to be immensely helpful in dealing with his emotions and gaining clarity on his decision. This period of self-reflection allowed him to understand the depth of his disconnect with his family and the need to make amends.
Passing the Torch: Aamir’s Plans for His Production House
In line with his decision to step away from films, Aamir also held a meeting with the team at his production house, Aamir Khan Productions. During this meeting, he announced that he would be stepping down from his role in the company and asked his team, including Kiran Rao, to take over the reins and continue making films. However, the team was reluctant to move forward without Aamir at the helm, further underscoring the emotional weight of his decision.
Despite the initial shock and resistance from his loved ones, Aamir remains committed to his choice. He believes that this step is necessary for him to focus on what truly matters at this stage in his life—his family. The actor’s journey from being a perfectionist in his craft to seeking perfection in his personal life is a testament to his evolving priorities and the courage it takes to make such a significant change.
