Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan remain friends and colleagues despite their separation. In an interview, the Laapataa Ladies director revealed that they decided to marry because of their parents, after having lived together for a year.
"I've always believed that marriage as an institution needs rethinking. Aamir and I lived together for a year before getting married; honestly, we did it more for our parents and societal expectations. Even then, we understood that marriage is a great institution if you can function both as individuals and as a couple within it," said Kiran.
"The issue we don't discuss enough is how marriage often stifles women. There needs to be a way for individuals to be themselves within the institution. This topic is open for debate and discussion. Esther Perel, the American psychologist, has written an excellent book on the subject. Traditionally, as apes, we lived together, but the nuclear family setup puts a lot of pressure on women. Women are expected to manage the household, maintain family unity, and stay connected with in-laws. These expectations place a significant burden on women," Kiran added.
Kiran and Aamir met on the sets of the 2001 film Lagaan, where she was an Assistant Director. They began dating in 2004 and married in 2005. After struggling to conceive, they welcomed their son Azad in 2011. The couple announced their separation in 2021.
