Kiran Rao has created and directed some brilliant films including Dhobi Ghat and this year’s India selection for the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film.
Speaking with Subhash K Jha while in Los Angeles, the producer and director talks family, films, happiness, and more.
As a working woman and mother how difficult is it for you to balance your dual responsibilities?
Honestly, I have been very privileged to have the help and support that l have had in my working career, both at home and in my professional environment. The support of my parents, friends, and especially Indira who works with me at home, has allowed me the freedom to pursue my career.
Aamir and you are still seen together everywhere.So I am a bit confused about the divorce.Would you care to shed some light on this?
To be honest, I have answered this question perhaps too many times, so I might be repeating myself. After being married for almost 18 years, and since there was never any rancour between us, we are still very close, as parents of Azad, as colleagues in the film work that we do, and as friends. We still consider each other family and will continue to do so I’m sure in the long run.
Marriages are falling apart all around us. Do you recommend that couples should live in before marrying?
Human relationships are complex, and I believe people (consenting adults) should have the freedom to explore and define their relationships however they choose. We need to be understanding of each other’s needs, and work towards replacing moral judgement with love and empathy.
You turned a year older recently. How did you celebrate your special day?
Honestly, I don’t think I could have asked for a better birthday. I’m currently in LA with our film, meeting some incredible talent and advocates for Laapataa Ladies. It’s been heartwarming to see their reactions and the love they have for the film. A group of friends even threw me a surprise party here in LA, which was so sweet. Right after that, we jumped straight back into work.
This birthday was extra special as your film has reached unexpected heights. Are you in an extra-happy space right now?
I couldn’t be happier. This film has truly been the gift that keeps on giving. When we made it, our dream was simply to share it with as many people as possible and spark conversations about gender parity, equality and womanhood. To see that happen on a global scale is incredibly special. The fact that we’re still in our sixth week in Japan and the film is still going strong is amazing. These are the moments that any filmmaker dreams of, and I’m grateful for each one of them.
As a woman, mother, and filmmaker, how do you view your journey so far?
I feel blessed. I am filled with gratitude. Motherhood has given me a deeper emotional understanding of my work, helping me tell more honest and empathetic stories. Being a woman and filmmaker in an industry that often isn’t designed for us has pushed me to carve out my own space. I’m fortunate to have had a wonderful support system and incredible collaborators along the way, and I will always be grateful for that. Every chapter—whether as a filmmaker or a mother—has shaped the other, and I’m thankful for both the challenges and the joys that have come with them.
You are no longer married, yet you and Aamir continue to be close friends. How have you managed to maintain such a relationship?
I think that’s what adulting is about. It’s not a miracle, but rather a deep mutual respect and understanding for each other’s space. Aamir and I have always valued our friendship, and we continue to support each other as co-parents and collaborators. He’s my sounding board, and I am his. Our bond is built on trust and shared experiences.
What advice would you give to women and men who look up to you, especially regarding marriage?
What I do believe is that you should do what feels right for you. Your journey is your own, and while everyone may have their opinions, at the end of the day, it’s about what works for you and your partner. Your personal story is unique.
As a female filmmaker, are you able to tell the stories you want to, exactly the way you envision them? Did you have to make any compromises in Laapataa Ladies?
I don’t believe any filmmaker should ever have to compromise on the story they set out to tell. I truly don’t think I could have found better collaborators than Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios, who empowered us throughout the entire process. Aamir was the one who discovered the story, and that alone speaks volumes about the kind of support we received.
If you had the chance to change anything in your life, would you?
I’ve never really thought about it. I’m incredibly happy with everything life has offered me. The journey I’ve been through has brought me to this point, and I wouldn’t change a thing. If anything, I just wish there were more than 24 hours in a day, so I could do even more of what life has to offer.
