Actor Aamir Khan recently opened up about his relationships, personal struggles, mental health and the thought of quitting acting on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast Chapter 2. Here are some key moments from their candid conversation.
When Aamir praised Rhea’s audition for Laal Singh Chaddha
Aamir Khan recalled his first meeting with Rhea during her audition for Laal Singh Chaddha a few years back. Although Rhea didn't land the role, Aamir was impressed and sent her a message acknowledging her good audition. Rhea admitted she was taken aback by the gesture, saying, “a producer, director or actor never messages after rejection but you did.”
Aamir replied, “I used to give a lot of auditions and get rejected everywhere. I know that feeling. So I feel if I have not got that role, I should at least be told that I have not got that role. Otherwise, I'd be waiting and wondering whether I will get it or not. Then I would find out from the media that someone else has been cast.”
Aamir takes responsibility for Laal Singh Chaddha’s failure
Aamir Khan’s last film, Laal Singh Chaddha, failed at the box office, which took a toll on his confidence. “It hit me pretty bad, I was shaken emotionally,” Aamir confessed.
Reflecting on his role, Aamir said, “My performance in Laal Singh Chaddha was pitched too high, unlike the original, which had a great performance by Tom Hanks, who pulled everyone with him. My performance let Laal Singh Chaddha down. My performance was not good, according to my reading. I think I might do better in my next film.”
Aamir empathises with Rhea over media trial
Aamir also expressed empathy for Rhea regarding the intense media scrutiny she faced following Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. “What happened to you, I would call it a tragedy. The way your life changed after that, and the way you have shown patience and strength, you didn’t lose hope or faith in yourself. We all can learn a lot from that. A person’s morale breaks and gets crushed. You are starting your second chapter… You have shown remarkable courage and you should be proud.”
Aamir on the possibility of a third marriage
When asked about the prospect of remarrying, Aamir dismissed the idea. “I am 59 now, where will I get married again, mushkil lag raha hai. I have so many relationships in my life right now. I have reconnected with my family, my kids, etc. I am very happy just being with people who are close to me. I am working towards being a better person,” Aamir stated.
He also added that he needed a partner. “I am not a loner, I like companionship. I am very close to both my ex-wives, Reena and Kiran, we are like one family. Life is unpredictable, so how can we trust it? So marriages working depends from person to person.”
When Aamir wanted to quit acting
Aamir also revealed that during the COVID-19 lockdown, he spent a lot of time reflecting on his life, realising how his work had consumed the past 30 years, leaving little room for family. This became a turning point in his life. He contemplated stepping away from films to focus on family.
“I had a proper mental breakdown. I went through solid pain. I was distressed,” Aamir revealed, adding that he sought therapy which helped him a lot in addressing his mental trauma.
Eventually, his daughter Ira convinced him to keep working and strive for a better work-life balance. As a result, Aamir confessed, he now feels less guilty about balancing his career with personal life.
