Aamir Khan attributes son Junaid's grounded mindset to his upbringing: ‘Woh train se jaata hai, gaadi ki zaroorat mehsoos hi nahi karta'

Indian Express

19-07-2025

Aamir Khan and his son Junaid share a special bond, expressing a sense of mutual respect and deep admiration for each other's behaviour and work ethic.
In a recent episode of The New Indian podcast, the Sitaare Zameen Par actor revealed that his son Junaid, despite having completed two films, has never bought a car and continues to rely on public transportation. Sharing his admiration for Junaid's simplicity, Aamir said, 'Woh train se jaata hai, Ola book karta hai, gaadi ki zaroorat mehsoos hi nahi karta.' He even recounted how Junaid took a state transport bus to attend a wedding in Bengaluru instead of flying. 'He's a different kind of person,' he added.
The 3 Idiots star also attributed this grounded mindset to Junaid's upbringing by him, as well as his former partners Kiran Rao and Reena Dutta, emphasising that none of them are materialistic by nature. 'Jaise aapke parents hote hain, waise hi aap hote ho,' he said, describing all three of his children as 'sensitive and well-behaved.'
In an age where celebrity kids are often seen surrounded by luxury, Junaid's humble choices have surprised and impressed fans.
Muskan Marwah, psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, explained that children are naturally observant and learn by watching the behaviours of the adults around them, especially their parents. 'While verbal guidance is important, children tend to absorb more from actions than words. Parents who model positive behaviours, such as kindness, honesty, and perseverance, have a lasting impact on their child's character. These actions help children understand expectations and internalise these values as part of their own identity,' she said.
Marwah linked this concept to Albert Bandura's theory of observational learning, which suggests that children learn not only from actions but also from emotional responses and attitudes they observe. Parents shape their child's emotional and moral development simply by how they live their daily lives. By demonstrating patience, respect, and responsibility, parents provide a living example of these values.
When it comes to children born into privileged families, Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counselor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, shared that such kids benefit from engaging in everyday tasks, such as using public transportation or doing household chores. These experiences build resilience, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. They also foster empathy, reduce entitlement, and prepare children to face real-life challenges with confidence.
'Just knowing they can handle basic tasks boosts their self-worth and independence. It also prevents functional helplessness and anxiety later in life. Regardless of gender, wealth, or background, everyone should learn life skills. It teaches humility, encourages equality, and shapes a grounded, emotionally intelligent adult who respects all forms of work and walks of life,' she further elaborated.
In an age where excess often drowns empathy, children need conscious parenting more than ever. 'Teach them that worth isn't tied to wealth, and respect isn't selective. Let them participate in chores, face consequences, and witness you treating everyone with dignity. Encourage gratitude over greed, and a sense of feeling over flaunting. Emotional awareness and exposure to diverse realities build depth and compassion,' concluded Khangarot.
Marwah further pointed out that the onus lies on parents to shape their children into grounded beings. Character traits such as empathy, resilience, and generosity are often taught not through words but through actions. Since children observe rather than listen, these behaviours become ingrained in their character, she believes.