Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, known for his powerful performances and thoughtful narratives, recently opened up about a more intimate aspect of his life, the stories behind the names of his children.
During his appearance on a popular show Aap Ki Adalat which is hosted by Rajat Sharma, Aamir Khan shared how the names of Junaid, Ira and Azad were kept, offering insights that blended personal memories, cultural heritage and emotional depth.
During the episode, Rajat Sharma lightheartedly observed a pattern in Aamir’s past relationships, noting his first wife Reena, second wife Kiran and jokingly suggesting “Gauri” could be next, referring to Aamir’s current partner Gauri Spratt.
In response, Aamir laughed and crossed his fingers with a grin, then shifted the conversation toward a topic of genuine curiosity — why his children’s names do not overtly reflect the religious identities of their mothers.
Aamir Khan explained that he never insisted on choosing the names himself. In fact, he admitted that his wives were the ones who made those decisions. Reflecting on his first marriage, he revealed that it was Reena who chose names for both Junaid and Ira. Elaborating on Ira’s name, Aamir said that it holds a strong cultural and spiritual connection, rooted in Indian tradition. “Ira is another name for Goddess Saraswati,” he shared, adding that Reena found the name in Maneka Gandhi’s Book of Hindu Names. It was a shortened form of Irawati, reflecting both elegance and significance.
When it came to his younger son Azad, Aamir credited his second wife Kiran Rao with choosing a name that carries deep historical resonance. Azad was named in honour of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a revered freedom fighter and a man whose legacy Aamir deeply admires. Tracing his own ancestry to Maulana Azad, Aamir Khan spoke of the immense sacrifices the leader made for India’s independence and the values he embodied. Kiran, inspired by this legacy, felt the name was a fitting tribute.
Aamir was also keen to clarify that Azad is not a name tied to any specific religion. Citing the example of Chandrashekhar Azad, he emphasised that the name symbolises freedom and is universally meaningful. “Azad doesn’t belong to any one faith,” he said, reinforcing the inclusive and thoughtful approach they took in naming their son.
Aamir’s personal life, much like his professional journey, reflects both complexity and grace. He married Reena Dutta in 1986, with whom he had Junaid and Ira, before they separated in 2002. He later married filmmaker Kiran Rao in 2005 and they welcomed their son Azad in 2011. Though the couple announced their separation in 2021, they remain close and continue to co-parent.
Currently, Aamir is in a relationship with Gauri Spratt, whom he introduced publicly on his 60th birthday. Through this conversation, Aamir Khan not only shared touching stories behind his children’s names but also offered a glimpse into the values of unity, tradition and thoughtfulness that guide his personal life.
