Aamir Khan admits he had a major breakdown after divorce from first wife Reena. 'Was trying to kill myself'

Time of India

9 hours ago

Known to millions as Bollywood's 'Mr. Perfectionist',
Aamir Khan
has long been admired for his on-screen brilliance and flawless performances. However, the celebrated actor recently opened up in an emotional interview with The Lallantop, revealing that his personal life, particularly during his first divorce, was far from ideal. Contrary to the calm demeanor he maintained in public, Aamir shared that he was emotionally shattered after his separation from Reena Dutta, his first wife.
A Tumultuous Chapter Behind Closed Doors
Their separation came shortly after the release of their first joint venture, Lagaan, in 2002. Though they put on a composed front for the media, the split deeply affected Aamir. He turned to alcohol during this period of turmoil, developing an unhealthy dependency that lasted nearly a year and a half. Isolating himself from friends and the film industry, he distanced himself from acting and withdrew from all public engagements. In the same year that he stepped away from cinema, a popular publication ironically titled him 'Man of the Year,' a label that felt hollow amid his personal chaos.
Alcoholism And Emotional Collapse
Aamir candidly recalled that on the evening of his separation, he downed an entire bottle of alcohol, and from that night onward, his drinking became a daily escape. It wasn't mere indulgence—it was self-destructive. He confessed that he didn't sleep during this period, often blacking out from excessive consumption. His emotional turmoil led him to a point where he was unconsciously trying to end his own life, revealing the extent of his internal crisis.
Unbroken Respect Amid Separation
In earlier interviews, including one on Koffee with Karan, Aamir reflected on his 16-year-long marriage to Reena Dutta. He described the divorce as traumatic not just for them, but also for their families. However, despite the end of their marital bond, he emphasized that they continued to hold mutual love and respect, navigating their split with grace and dignity.
Second Marriage And Present Life
After parting ways with Reena, Aamir married filmmaker
Kiran Rao
in 2005. The couple welcomed their son, Azad, and shared 16 years of marriage before separating in 2021. Despite the second divorce, Aamir continues to maintain a warm and respectful relationship with both Reena and Kiran, co-parenting their children with maturity and balance.
Current Relationship With Gauri Spratt
Aamir is now romantically involved with Gauri Spratt, a longtime friend he has known for over two decades. Gauri, who hails from Bengaluru, is connected to Aamir Khan Films and holds academic qualifications in fashion, photography, and styling from the University of Arts in London. Her multicultural roots stem from a Tamilian mother and an Irish father. She is also a single parent to a six-year-old son. Although Aamir and Gauri have shared a long friendship, their bond only recently transformed into a romantic partnership.
Return To The Silver Screen
On the professional front, Aamir Khan made a powerful comeback with
Sitaare Zameen Par
, a spiritual follow-up to the acclaimed Taare Zameen Par. The film has been a commercial success, collecting over ₹147 crore worldwide, marking his return to cinema with significant impact.