“I Decided That I Would Not Work in Films”, Aamir Khan reveals how not spending time with family forced him to quit films


Aamir Khan Opens Up About Family, Work-Life Balance, and His Personal Struggles on Podcast with Rhea Chakraborty

In a candid and emotional conversation on a recent podcast with Rhea Chakraborty, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan revealed deeply personal insights into his life, work, and relationships. Known for his thoughtful approach to his career, Aamir’s words on the podcast offered a rare glimpse into the struggles he has faced behind the camera and how his intense dedication to his work has sometimes come at the cost of his personal life.

The Beginning of Aamir Khan’s Vulnerable Conversation

Before the show began, a promotional teaser had already captured Aamir’s heartfelt emotions as he controlled his tears. He spoke about how, for 30 years, he hadn’t given enough time to the people who matter the most to him, especially his family. “I haven’t given them time for 30 years,” he said, struggling to hold back tears. “30 years, that time was very difficult for me,” he continued, pausing to drink some water, clearly moved by his own reflections. “I won’t act, I won’t produce, I won’t direct, nothing,” he concluded, hinting at the depth of his personal reckoning with his professional life.

The Question About Self-Image

As the conversation shifted to more personal topics, Rhea Chakraborty asked Aamir about his self-image. Aamir, always open about his vulnerabilities, shared a poignant story about his relationship with his wife, Kiran Rao. He recounted a conversation with Kiran where she pointed out something he had never fully realized before. “Once Kiran was telling me, ‘You’re not interested in us at all,’” Aamir said. “So, I asked, ‘What does that mean?’ And she said, ‘You are always lost. Even when you’re sitting with us, you remain engrossed in your world. You’re not actually interested in us.’”

For Aamir, this was a shock. Kiran was not scolding him, but making an observation about his behavior. As he reflected on her words, Aamir shared how, despite loving his family deeply, his mind was always preoccupied with work. “I love them, all of them a lot,” he admitted, “but my mind is always somewhere else.”

Realizing the Impact of Work on Family

Aamir went on to explain that this revelation from Kiran hit him hard, particularly after spending years immersed in his work. “It’s been 10 years since we got married. At least two to three times a week, I hear from Kiran, ‘Yaar, I want to spend time with you.’ With my mom, I didn’t get enough time, so why do you meet her then?” he shared. Kiran, he said, met her mother every two to three days, but for Aamir, even when he was with his loved ones, he felt disconnected.

This realization sparked a turning point for him. “I used to immerse myself so deeply in my work that I wouldn’t think about anything else. People would ask, ‘What keeps you so busy, Aamir? You make one film every three years.’ But it takes time to make a film,” he said, acknowledging that his intense focus on work had made it hard for him to connect with those closest to him.

Bandwidth and the Price of Success

Rhea, picking up on his reflections, asked if he felt he lacked the “bandwidth” to be fully present with his family. Aamir nodded, agreeing that his commitment to work left him little room for personal life. “Yes, I didn’t have the bandwidth,” he admitted. “For me, work was fun. I used to play, and I still play in films. In that excitement, I would forget everything else.”

However, after 30 years in the industry, Aamir realized the toll his work had taken on his relationships. “I haven’t given them time for 30 years,” he repeated, his voice tinged with regret. Despite the love he felt for his family, the demands of his career had kept him away. He confessed that he had spent little time with his mother and regretted not being more present during his children’s childhood.

A Turning Point: Walking Away from Film

As the conversation continued, Aamir shared an emotional admission: his realization that he had neglected his family for far too long led him to a dramatic decision. “I decided I will never do a film again,” he said. Rhea, surprised, asked, “So you thought you would never do films?” Aamir’s answer was a firm yes.

“I won’t act, I won’t produce, I won’t direct, nothing,” Aamir stated resolutely. “I need to walk away from films,” he added, explaining that the very thing that had kept him away from his loved ones—his work—was no longer something he wanted to pursue. His frustration with himself and his profession was palpable as he revealed how he had become disillusioned with the industry that had once been his life’s passion.

The Emotional Realization

As Aamir spoke about the deep regret he felt for not being more present for his children, Ira and Junaid, he began to tear up. “I realized that the time that passed, Ira and Junaid’s childhood, will never come back,” he said, his voice breaking. “The last 30 years, which I could have spent with my mom, I spent little time with her. That will never come back.”

This emotional admission underscored the true cost of his career. The fame, the success, the adoration from audiences all around the world—none of it could replace the time he had lost with his family.

In this rare and unguarded interview, Aamir Khan reflected on the sacrifices he made in pursuit of his career and the toll it took on his personal life. His willingness to admit his shortcomings and his resolve to make changes for the sake of his loved ones left a deep impression on listeners.

Ultimately, Aamir’s story is a reminder that success and fame come at a price, and sometimes, the things we hold most dear—family, relationships, and personal connections—are the ones we risk losing in the process. As he continues to reflect on his past, it’s clear that Aamir Khan’s journey is not just about making movies but about finding balance, healing, and reconnecting with the people who matter most.

Recently, during the Bigg Boss 18 Grand Finale last Sunday,

Aamir Khan made a special appearance alongside his son, Junaid Khan, on stage with his long-time friend and the show’s host, Salman Khan. As the two icons reunited, what followed was a fun and hilarious exchange that had everyone laughing.

In an impromptu moment, Junaid decided to spice things up with a playful game to test his father’s friendship with Salman. He suggested that Aamir and Salman exchange their phones to check each other’s messages.

Salman was quick to protest, saying, “I don’t want to play this,” but Aamir, ever the sport, tried to convince him. “Come on, let’s do it!” Aamir urged. However, Salman remained reluctant, humorously responding, “Leave it. You’re a settled person. You’ve been married twice, you have kids, and I haven’t had any of those.”

Despite his hesitation, Salman eventually handed over his phone to Aamir, and as Aamir prepared to check the device, Salman jokingly asked, “Teri koi nayi girlfriend aayi? (Do you have a new girlfriend?)”

With his characteristic wit, Aamir responded, “Look at my phone and you’ll get your answer.”

The banter continued, and it was Junaid’s quick-witted remark that really stole the show. With Aamir’s phone in his hand, Salman, with a playful smirk, commented on how “dry” Aamir’s phone must be, saying, “What do I even see in your phone? Either Reena [Dutta] or Kiran [Rao] would have texted you.”

Without missing a beat, Junaid replied, “Toh do-do ex-wife ki gaaliyan padh paoge aap (You’ll get to read messages from two ex-wives).”

This hilarious comeback had everyone in fits of laughter, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the fun-filled night.

Aamir Khan’s personal life has often made headlines. He was first married to Reena Dutta in 1986, and the couple parted ways in 2002. Together, they have two children – Ira Khan and Junaid Khan. Aamir later married Kiran Rao in 2005, and they welcomed a son, Azad, through surrogacy. However, the couple separated in 2021, marking another chapter in the actor’s journey.


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