Kiran Rao opens up on people crediting ex-husband Aamir Khan for her success  

Laapataa Ladies, Kiran Roa’s second directorial not only won over Indian audiences but was also selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars. The film, being co-produced by her former husband Aamir Khan, sparked controversial chatter about Kiran’s career as a filmmaker. 

Recently, Kiran shared that she finds it unfair how the credit for her success is given to Aamir Khan. 

In an interaction with Kareena Kapoor on her talk show What Women Want, Kiran expressed that she thinks it is a ‘low’ for people to credit Aamir Khan for her success.  

Former husband Aamir Khan

She said, “It is natural. He has been known to do such quality work. Personally, I attribute a lot of success in life to having a very supportive and bright partner who intellectually matches me and supports everything I do. He has played a big role in my life, but for others to attribute my accomplishments solely to him is a… and I think a lot of women are accustomed to that happen to them.” 

Kiran also shared that she occasionally finds Aamir Khan’s lengthy lectures challenging, and humorously described them to be at a faint border of “mansplaining”.  

She said, “I would like to say… he can go off and lecture. Like he will give certain lamba lectures about things sometimes and those, I don’t like. I mean, it’s not quite mansplaining, but coming close.” 

Kiran's first film

Also read: ‘Most powerful film ever made’: Anil Kapoor pens profound note on 35 years of Parinda

Kiran Rao first directed a movie called Dhobi Ghat in 2011, before making Laapataa Ladies. While the movie didn't make a lot of money, critics liked it. She also worked with Aamir Khan to make many popular movies like Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Peepli Live, Delhi Belly, Talaash, and Dangal. 

Kiran and Aamir were married for 16 years and though they're no longer together, they still raise their son Azad together.