Junaid Khan, the son of renowned actor Aamir Khan and his first wife, Reena Dutta, recently shared a poignant story about his childhood struggles with dyslexia. In a candid interview, Junaid revealed how his parents first realized something was amiss after hearing the script of the critically acclaimed film 'Taare Zameen Par'.
'Taare Zameen Par', directed by Aamir Khan, tells the story of Ishaan Awasthi, a young boy grappling with dyslexia. The film's narrative struck a chord with Aamir and Reena, leading them to recognize similar signs in their own son. Junaid recalled, "When Papa and Maa heard the script, they were like, 'Ek second! We’ve seen this in our lives.'" This moment of realization prompted them to seek professional help, ultimately leading to Junaid's diagnosis.
Junaid, who was around six or seven years old at the time, described his parents' reaction as a mix of concern and relief. They immediately took steps to ensure he received the necessary support. "They were mindful of that, especially in schooling," Junaid shared, emphasizing how his parents shifted their focus from academic results to emotional support and encouragement. Instead of pressuring him to excel academically, they created an environment where he was encouraged to do his best without the burden of traditional expectations.
Despite their divorce in 2002, Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta have maintained a strong, supportive relationship, ensuring their children never felt the negative impact of their separation. Junaid mentioned that he never saw his parents fight until he was 19, highlighting their efforts to co-parent harmoniously. The family continues to meet regularly, often gathering for family tea on Tuesday evenings.
Junaid Khan has followed in his father's footsteps, making his acting debut in 2024 with the Netflix series 'Maharaj'. He is now preparing for his first theatrical release, 'Loveyapa', directed by Advait Chandan and co-starring Khushi Kapoor. The film is set to hit theatres on February 7, 2025.
In a heartfelt gesture of support, Aamir Khan has vowed to quit smoking if 'Loveyapa' performs well at the box office. During a recent media interaction, Aamir expressed his high hopes for the film, praising its entertaining storyline and the performances of Junaid and Khushi Kapoor. He even likened Khushi's energy to that of her late mother, Sridevi. This promise underscores Aamir's deep commitment to his son's success and his willingness to make personal sacrifices for it.
Junaid's story is a testament to the importance of understanding and support in overcoming personal challenges. His parents' proactive approach and unwavering encouragement have played a crucial role in his journey, both personally and professionally.