Reports of Aamir Khan’s retirement are greatly exaggerated — and outdated. Recent news has been swirling with claims that Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist had stepped away from acting, but many have missed the real story: Khan had indeed “retired” years ago but quietly returned without fanfare.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter India, Aamir Khan, alongside his ex-wife Kiran Rao, revealed that he announced his retirement to his family a few years back. This decision, made before the release of Laal Singh Chaddha in 2022, was part of a personal reevaluation. Yet, his family convinced him not to take such drastic steps, prompting Khan to make an understated comeback while entrusting Aamir Khan Productions to new leadership.
The actor, known for his deep commitment to his craft, shared, “I decided to quit before Laal Singh Chadha. During Covid, I realized that most of my life, from age 18, was devoted entirely to cinema. I had not been there enough for my relationships, whether it was with my children, my siblings, or even my former wives, Kiran and Reena.”
Khan’s reflection, spurred by conversations with his children, Junaid and Ayra, made him realize his tendency toward extremes. “Junaid told me not to swing between extremes and that there’s a middle ground I can be in. So, I came back. No one knew I had quit because nothing came out of it,” he explained, debunking the notion that his decision was related to Laal Singh Chaddha’s reception.
Now, at 59, Khan is determined to make the next decade his most productive. He aims to nurture new talent, from writers and directors to actors and musicians. To facilitate this, he appointed Aparna Purohit to lead Aamir Khan Productions, ensuring the company aligns with his standards of integrity and creativity.
Khan credits Purohit’s leadership with allowing him to focus on acting without compromising his production company’s vision. His latest project, Laapataa Ladies, India’s official submission for the Oscars, is a testament to his commitment to fostering fresh voices and perspectives in Indian cinema.
With this newfound balance, Aamir Khan is poised to remain a pivotal force in the industry, blending personal fulfillment with professional passion.
