Aamir Khan breaks silence on his impulsive marriage to Reena Dutta, the pain of divorce, and finding love 'by chance' with Gauri Spratt

Time of India

5 days ago

In the glitzy world of Bollywood, some love stories make headlines for their grandeur, while others become quiet lessons in vulnerability and growth.
Aamir Khan
, who has long been known for his intense roles and meticulous filmmaking, is now drawing the curtain back on his personal life in a way that's as raw as it is reflective. As he gears up for the release of
Sitaare Zameen Par
, his first major film since
Laal Singh Chaddha
, Aamir has given fans a rare and honest glimpse into the heartbreaks that shaped him.
In a revealing conversation on Raj Shamani's podcast, the actor didn't just promote his next film—he revisited the defining emotional chapters of his life, particularly the story of his first marriage to
Reena Dutta
. And for once, the man who plays complex characters on screen admitted the real-life script wasn't any less tangled.
'We were just kids in love'
Married at the age of 21, Aamir recalls the whirlwind romance with Reena, who was just 19 at the time. 'We had only known each other for four months,' he shared, looking back with the clarity that only time can offer. 'There was love, yes. But now I realise that decisions like marriage need a lot more than just feelings—they need understanding, maturity, and time.'
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The marriage lasted 16 years—a period Aamir calls beautiful and meaningful—but hindsight has taught him that youth often masks judgment. 'It was jawani ka josh,' he said with a quiet smile. 'At that age, you don't fully comprehend the gravity of certain choices. Reena wasn't a mistake. But perhaps the timing was.'
It's not often that a Bollywood superstar uses his platform to talk about emotional immaturity, but Aamir's candour was refreshingly disarming. His reflection wasn't tinged with regret about Reena as a person but about the haste with which they rushed into marriage.
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Workaholism: The silent intruder
When asked what led to the eventual end of his marriage, Aamir didn't dodge the question. 'I was a workaholic. Lost in my films. That, I think, was a red flag.' The actor confessed that emotional immaturity and professional obsession took a toll on the relationship. He described how, during emotional distress, he would shut down completely, sometimes not speaking for days.
This wasn't just introspection—it was accountability. In a world where celebrities often curate perfection, Aamir's honesty stood out. 'Now, I've worked on myself,' he added. 'I've grown emotionally. But back then, I was consumed by my career, unaware of how I was hurting the people closest to me.'
From heartbreak to healing—and love again
Despite two failed marriages—first with Reena Dutta and then with filmmaker Kiran Rao—Aamir refuses to call any of his past relationships a failure. In fact, he describes both Reena and Kiran as 'amazing people' who have been instrumental in shaping who he is today. 'These women have given me so much—love, friendship, and a lifetime of memories. Even though we're no longer married, the respect and affection remain.'
With Reena, he shares two children, Ira and Junaid, and with Kiran, he co-parents their son Azad. The families remain close-knit, and Aamir speaks warmly of how he still shares a bond with both women's families. 'I was close to Reena's father, who passed away recently. That love, it never really leaves.'
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Kiran Rao
, too, has echoed similar sentiments in previous interviews, referring to Aamir not just as a co-parent but as family. 'It took time,' she had said, 'but we got there—where we knew we'd always be present for each other, just not as husband and wife.'
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Enter Gauri Spratt: A new chapter, by chance
Now, at 59, just when many thought the curtains had closed on Aamir's love life, the actor introduced the world to Gauri Spratt—a woman he describes as a 'by-chance' blessing. The two reportedly met during a period when Aamir had begun therapy and was focusing on self-love and healing. 'I had started to think maybe I was too old to find someone again. But then I met Gauri. And we connected. It wasn't planned. It just happened.'
Aamir confessed that he didn't expect to find such a meaningful connection again. 'We became friends, and from that, love and respect grew. I didn't seek it out—but sometimes life surprises you.'
Earlier this year, Aamir went public with their relationship during a media event in Mumbai. Gauri, too, has embraced the spotlight gracefully, sharing how she was warmly welcomed by Aamir's family. When asked if Aamir is a romantic in real life, she laughed and admitted, 'Yes. He makes sure I smile every day.'
— filmfare (@filmfare)
Beyond the screen: The evolution of Aamir Khan
While the world waits for
Sitaare Zameen Par
to hit the screens, it's clear that Aamir Khan's most transformative role has perhaps been off-screen—as a man learning to love, lose, reflect, and rise again. His journey isn't one of stardom alone—it's about the vulnerability that fame often hides.
In laying bare his flaws and growth, Aamir offers a rare celebrity tale that doesn't promise perfection but delivers profound truth. Whether in reel or real life, he continues to be a storyteller—only now, the story is his own.