Aamir Khan on being absent from Junaid, Ira, Azad’s lives - ‘I didn’t know anything about..’

B-town's versatile actor Aamir Khan appeared on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast recently, and reflected upon his career and personal life. From getting candid about his career challenges to regrets in his personal life, Aamir shared his heart out in the recent conversation. The seasoned actor opened up about his regrets on being absent from the lives of his children, Ira, Junaid, and Azad, as he had no idea about their challenges.

Aamir Khan on not being present in his kids’ lives

Aamir Khan recently appeared on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast ‘Chapter 2’ and spoke about how his children were affected as he focussed on his career. The 59-year-old actor, director, and producer is also the doting father of three children: Ira, Junaid, and Azad, from his two ex-wives, Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao. Admitting to his absence in his kids’ lives when they needed him, Aamir reflected on his daughter Ira’s battle with depression as he continued to focus on his career in the past.

Speaking in the podcast, the Laal Singh Chaddha actor shared how his kids, Ira and Junaid, craved his attention, but he was never there for them as he focused on his professional career. Reflecting on Ira’s challenges and depression journey, Aamir observed that she ‘needed him’ when she was battling with depression. He also revealed how his elder son, Junaid, almost lived his entire life without him. 

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For the unversed, Junaid made his film debut with Netflix’s Maharaj and his performance was critically acclaimed. Extending his support to his son, Aamir said, “Junaid is starting his career. He has lived his life without me. And now, perhaps he is taking the last big step in his life, towards his career. If I am not with him at this time, then what’s the point?

Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan’s son Azad is also growing older and will soon be entering his teen years. Aamir Khan shared how he plans to give his support and presence to him because this crucial time of childhood might not return.

Aamir on juggling career and family

When asked about his family and career, Aamir Khan recalled how his love for cinema and acting overshadowed his family and weighed down his priorities. Despite having strong feelings for his kids and family, the superstar focused on winning audiences’ love but soon a turning point made him realise what he was missing and that changed everything.

“When Ira and Junaid were five or six years old, I didn’t know anything about their feelings then, what were their problems, what did they need then or what were their challenges. I had no idea about these things. I knew everything about my team and directors. I felt very bad. So, that time was very difficult for me. Nobody told me this. I realised it myself. Ira and Junaid’s childhood won’t return. I could have spent a lot more time with my mother in the last 30 years, which I didn’t. The time will never return,” Aamir revealed in the podcast.

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On the work front, Aamir Khan will next be seen in R S Prasanna's directorial, Sitaare Zameen Par, alongside Genelia D'Souza and Darsheel Safary.