Kiran Rao commented on the limited discussion regarding how the institution of marriage tends to stifle women, emphasizing its significance.
Kiran Rao is currently basking in the success of her critically acclaimed film ‘Laapaata Ladies.’ The movie was co-produced by Aamir Khan, who also happens to be Rao’s ex-husband. In 2005, Kiran and Aamir decided to tie the knot. However, in 2021, the couple decided to part ways. Now, in a new interview with Brut India, Kiran shared that she did not ‘fear’ getting a divorce. Rao also emphasised a ton of responsibilities that a woman has to face after marriage.
During the conversation, Kiran opened up about the marriage with Aamir and said, “Aamir and I lived together for about a year before we got married, and honestly, we did it more because of our parents. At that time too, we knew that it’s a great institution if you can function as an individual as well as a couple within that institution. I think the way you interpret marriage is important because it was for a particular purpose and this social sanction really matters to a lot of people. It matters to children.”
The director continued, “I think the thing that we don’t talk about enough is how marriage tends to stifle especially women… There’s so much responsibility on the woman to run the house, to keep the family together… I took my sweet time so I didn’t have any worry about it. The thing is, Aamir and I were very strong and continue to have a very strong relationship as two humans.”
Kiran added, “We are very connected to each other; we deeply respect and love each other, so that hasn’t changed, and so, therefore, I was not worried. I knew that I needed my space. I wanted to live independently, and I needed that to grow myself. I felt that it was for my own growth and Aamir acknowledged that as well and supported that… So I didn’t fear a divorce.”
Kiran’s most recent project, Laapata Ladies, premiered in theatres on March 1st. The film is set in a fictional state named Nirmal Pradesh in 2001 and revolves around the brides Phool and Pushpa, who inadvertently switch places during a train journey. Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Kiran Rao’s Kindling Productions.
