Kiran Rao on divorce with Aamir Khan: 'We were conscious that Azad should not be traumatised'

Kiran Rao, Azad, Aamir Khan Pic/Kiran Rao`s Instagram

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's ex-wife Kiran Rao is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film 'Laapataa Ladies'. In an interview during the promotions, Kiran opened up about her divorce with the actor. The two tied the knot in 2005 and had their son Azad via surrogacy in 2011. In 2021, they announced their separation but maintained they would co-parent their son.

Kiran told DNA, she and Aamir made sure that their son was not traumatised by their decision to call it quits. She said, "For me, it's been quite easy at some level to manage the separation of having both personal relationship that is no longer marriage as well as professional. We decided that we wanted to change the definition of our relationship and end the social contract. We worked at it in a smooth way because we were conscious that Azad should not be, in any way, traumatised by this public breakup."

Aamir and Kiran met on the sets of 'Lagaan' directed by ace filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, where Kiran worked as an assistant director. He was earlier married to Reena Dutta but got divorced after 16 years of marriage in 2002. He has a son Junaid, and daughter Ira from his first marriage.

Kiran is best known for directing 'Dhobi Ghat', which was released in 2010. It starred Prateik Babbar, Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra. Coming to 'Laapataa Ladies', the film is set in 2001 Madhya Pradesh, a time when mobile phones were precious and the internet and technology had not made everything easily accessible. The story of the movie revolves around two newly-wed brides who get separated from their families and how a slip-up sets many things right. In a very subtle way, using the elements of humour and hope, Kiran has attempted to address a strong social issue and women's empowerment.

The main cast of the film includes Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam, and the project is also launching two very talented young actresses who play the brides. The script is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. 'Laapataa Ladies' will hit the theatres on March 1.

(With inputs from ANI)