Ira Khan, the daughter of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and his ex-wife Reena Dutta has always been open about her struggles with mental health. As the founder and CEO of a mental health support organization, she has used her platform to raise awareness about depression and emotional well-being. Recently, in a candid conversation with Pinkvilla, Ira reflected on her parents’ divorce and its impact on her, sharing how her perspective evolved.
Growing up, Ira believed that her parents’ separation didn’t affect her emotionally. Despite their divorce, Aamir and Reena ensured that they maintained a united front for their children, shielding them from any conflicts or negative emotions. Ira recalled, “They never fought around us and always presented a united front, and the families loved each other throughout the whole thing. I was like, no, this divorce cannot be something that is affecting me in a negative manner.”
However, as Ira matured, she began to understand that the separation was more complex than she had initially realised. “I grew up and I realised that something broke, a relationship ended, right? Maybe it ended for the better, but still, something got ended, right? So, there is a certain amount of pain that comes with anything breaking, anything ending, which I refused to look at consciously as a kid,” she admitted.
Ira also discussed the personal growth she has experienced, sharing how therapy helped her come to terms with her feelings. “I’ve since discussed this with my therapist, and I’ve learned that while there’s no need to blame anyone, it’s important to acknowledge what happened,” she said, emphasising the significance of emotional acceptance.
Despite the challenges of their separation, Ira expressed gratitude for how her parents handled the situation. She credited Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta for making sure that she and her brother felt loved and secure, even during such a turbulent time. “My parents did a great job in making us feel safe and secure that even though they are separating, we will still be loved equally, and the family will still be a family. They managed very well,” Ira praised.
Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta married in 1986 but separated after 16 years in 2002. Ira, born in 1997, is the younger of their two children. She recently married fitness coach Nupur Shikhare in January 2024, marking another milestone in her journey of healing and growth.