Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, known for his versatility and impact on Indian cinema, has revealed that he had once made the decision to retire from acting.
Khan, who has been a staple of Bollywood for over 35 years, said that a few years ago, he informed his family of his plan to leave the industry, only to be persuaded by his children, Ira and Junaid, to reconsider.
Khan, 58, opened up about this pivotal moment in a recent interview alongside his ex-wife, filmmaker Kiran Rao. Reflecting on the period before the release of Laal Singh Chaddha, he explained, “I decided to quit before Laal Singh Chaddha. I was going through a personal journey. Towards the end of Covid, I realized that my life, from age 18 until now, had been devoted to cinema, which left little room for my relationships – with my kids, siblings, and family.” He added that this epiphany led him to feel guilty about time spent away from loved ones.
Read More: IN PICTURES: Noor Xarmina to represent Pakistan at Miss Universe 2024
“A Personal Journey”
Aamir Khan recounted the emotional conversation he had with his family when he informed them of his decision to step away from the film industry. “I told my family I wanted to quit films and spend time with them. It wasn’t due to disappointment in cinema; it was my realisation that I needed to be present for those I love,” he shared.
However, his children, Junaid and Ira, urged him to reconsider. “Junaid told me, ‘Why go from one extreme to another? There’s a middle ground,’” Khan recalled. This advice led Khan to ultimately resume his career, and he concluded that the decision was a part of his “personal journey.”
On the professional front, Khan is now gearing up for his next production, Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual successor to his 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par. Co-starring Genelia Deshmukh and Darsheel Safary, the film is set for release on December 25.
