“After being married for almost 18 years, and as there have never been any hard feelings between us, we are still very close, as Azad’s parents, as colleagues in the film work we do and as friends.”

IMAGE: Kiran Rao with Aamir Khan. Photography: Courtesy of Kiran Rao/Instagram

In the middle of the Oscar campaign in Los Angeles, Kiran Rao took time to celebrate her 51st birthday on November 7.

She talks about her second special film, as well as the unique relationship she shares with her producer and former husband Aamir Khan in this conversation with Subhash K Jha: “We still consider ourselves family and will continue to do so, I’m sure, in the long term.”

You and Aamir are always seen together everywhere, so I’m a little confused about the divorce. Would you like to shed some light on this?

After being married for almost 18 years, and as there have never been any hard feelings between us, we are still very close, as Azad’s parents, as colleagues in the film work we do and in as friends.

We still consider ourselves family and will continue to do so, I’m sure, in the long term.

He is my sounding board and I am his. Our bond is built on trust and the sharing of experiences.

IMAGE: Kiran and Aamir promote Lost Ladies in Los Angeles. Photography: Courtesy of Kiran Rao/Instagram

Marriages are falling apart around us. Do you recommend that couples live together before getting married?

Human relationships are complex and I believe that people (consenting adults) should have the freedom to explore and define their relationships as they see fit.

We must understand each person’s needs and work to replace moral judgment with love and empathy.

You turned a year older on November 7th. How did you celebrate your special day?

Honestly, I don’t think I could have asked for a better birthday.

I’m currently in Los Angeles with our film, where I’m meeting incredible talent and advocates for Laapataa Ladies. It’s 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, it was so sweet.

Right after that, we immediately got back to work.

Photography: Courtesy of Kiran Rao/Instagram

This anniversary was particularly special because your film reached unexpected heights. Are you in an extra-happy space right now?

I couldn’t be happier. This film truly was a 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.

Seeing this happen on a global scale is incredibly special.

As a woman, mother and filmmaker, how do you view your journey so far?

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 a filmmaker in an industry that is often not designed for us has pushed me to carve out my own space.

I am fortunate to have had a wonderful support system and incredible collaborators throughout my journey, and for that I will always be grateful.

Each chapter – whether as a filmmaker or a mother – has shaped the other, and I am grateful for the challenges and joys that have accompanied them.

IMAGE: With Aamir and their son Azad. Photography: Courtesy of Kiran Rao/Instagram

As a filmmaker, are you able to tell the stories you want, exactly the way you envision them? Did you have to make compromises in Laapataa Ladies?

I don’t think a filmmaker should ever have to compromise on the story they want to tell.

I don’t think I could have found better collaborators than Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios, who were with us throughout the process.

It was Aamir who discovered the story, and that speaks volumes about the kind of support we received.

IMAGE: With Aamir’s ex-wife Reena Dutta, Ira, Azad and Aamir. Photography: Courtesy of Kiran Rao/Instagram

If you had the chance to change something in your life, would you do it?

I never really thought about it.

I am incredibly happy with everything life has given 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.