Bollywood star Aamir Khan strikes a pose at the mahurat ceremony of the forthcoming Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film 'Tera Yaar Hoon Main' in Mumbai on November 9, 2024. (Photo by SUJIT JAISWAL / AFP)

Indian cinema icon Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood's most successful actors, revealed that he was close to retiring during the global Covid-19 pandemic until his ex-wife persuaded him to rethink his decision. Khan, 59, is currently in the US to promote 'Laapataa Ladies', India's official submission for the foreign language category at the upcoming Academy Awards, which he co-produced with ex-wife Kiran Rao.

Khan shared that his family was deeply affected by his intention to retire. 'I felt I hadn't devoted enough time or energy to my relationships. That realization made me feel guilty, and I experienced a sort of emotional collapse,' Khan explained in an interview with Rao, who also directed the film. It was Rao's candid words that ultimately made him reconsider.

'She said if you're quitting films, you're quitting everything. You're leaving us, you're leaving everything. I was quite surprised by her reaction. But I'm glad I changed my mind and returned,' he said.

Khan, whose last film was the 2022 Hindi adaptation of 'Forrest Gump', titled 'Laal Singh Chaddha', has been involved in some of Bollywood's most successful films both as a producer and actor. He is part of the renowned Khan trio of Indian cinema, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, who have been the leading figures in the industry for over three decades.

On the surface, 'Laapataa Ladies' is a comedy centered around two brides who are mistakenly swapped during a train journey. However, the film delves into various critical issues in Indian society, including corruption and patriarchal norms.

'Humor and satire are, in my opinion, the best ways to openly discuss issues that are uncomfortable, challenging, and deeply rooted. Patriarchy, for instance, is deeply entrenched,' said Rao.

Want to see 'Laapataa Ladies'? It's available for viewing on Netflix.

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