Kiran Rao discusses divorce from Aamir Khan: 'I needed my space'

Kiran Rao shared insights on her divorce from Aamir Khan, expressing her desire for independence.

In a recent interview with Brut India, the 50-year-old film director unveiled that she didn't fear the idea of divorce and elaborated on the significant responsibilities women often bear post-marriage.

Kiran Rao shared the lack of discussion surrounding how marriage can often constrain women, stifling their freedom and potential.

She said, “Aamir and I lived together for about a year before we got married, and honestly, we did it more because of parents. At that time too, we knew that it's a great institution if you can function as an individual as well as a couple within that institution."

"I think the way you interpret marriage is important because it was for a particular purpose and this social sanction really matters to a lot of people. It matters to children."

Kiran further shared, “I think the thing that we don't talk about enough is how marriage tends to stifle especially women… There's so much responsibility on the woman to run the house, to keep the family together… I took my sweet time so I didn't have any worry about it."

"The thing is, Aamir and I were very strong and continue to have a very strong relationship as two humans. We are very connected to each other; we deeply respect and love each other, so that hasn't changed, and so, therefore, I was not worried. I knew that I needed my space."

"I wanted to live independently, and I needed that to grow myself. I felt that it was for my own growth and Aamir acknowledged that as well and supported that… So I didn't fear a divorce,” she added.

On the work front, Kiran's most recent project was Laapata Ladies, released in theaters on March 1, 2024.

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao got married in 2005 and got separated after approximately 16 years of marriage in 2021.