Latest news with #IraKhan
Business Standard
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
India-Spain Cultural Exchange Highlights Disability Inclusion through Film and Dialogue
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 4: The Embassy of Spain to India, in collaboration with ETI Services and the Agatsu Foundation, hosted a landmark cultural event titled "Sitaare Zameen Par: India and Spain in Conversation on Inclusion through Disability-focused Cinema" at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. Anchored in the power of storytelling, the event brought together filmmakers, disability rights advocates, and cultural leaders from India and Spain to explore how cinema can advance empathy, dignity, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. The event opened with welcome remarks by Alfonso Herrero Corral, Counsellor at the Embassy of Spain, who emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities and the potential of cinema as a catalyst for social change. The opening session, "Our Journeys," featured a compelling conversation with disability rights activists who reflected on their lived experiences and the challenges and transformations that shaped their advocacy. Moderated by Ira Khan, Founder and Director of the Agatsu Foundation, the panel included Sushama Nagarkar, Parag Namdeo, Divyanshu Ganatra, and Danish Mahajan. Their dialogue illuminated the systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities and called for more inclusive, accessible, and affirming spaces--both on and off screen. Summarizing the conversations in the panel, Ira added, "Disability isn't an inability -- and it certainly isn't charity. What we heard today wasn't about exceptionalism, but about the right to live, work, and create with dignity. It's time we moved beyond tokenism, beyond pity, and started treating persons with disabilities as equals -- not someday, but now". This was followed by an address by H.E. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India, who reaffirmed Spain's commitment to advancing disability inclusion and strengthening cultural collaboration with India. In his remarks, he highlighted the shared responsibility of nations to ensure that no one is left behind in narratives of progress, especially in the arts and public life. On the transformative potential of art to bring about impact, the Ambassador remarked, "What cinema can do -- in a way that policy or programming sometimes cannot -- is shift imagination. It shows us what is possible, helps us see each other more fully, and reminds us that dignity must never be optional.". The second half of the event featured a dialogue on inclusion through movies, bringing together the cast and creators behind Sitaare Zameen Par and Spain's celebrated film Campeones. The panel included Aamir Khan (Actor and Producer, joining virtually), Jesus Vidal (Actor, Campeones, joining virtually), Aparna Purohit (CEO, Aamir Khan Productions), R.S. Prasanna (Director), and Divy Nidhi Sharma (Writer), and was moderated by Sukriti Chauhan, CEO of ETI Services. The conversation explored the ethics and impact of representation, the responsibilities of filmmakers, and the personal journeys behind both films. Speaking from his experience as a filmmaker, producer and actor, Aamir Khan remarked, "I have a dream -- that one day, there will be no segregation. We're so quick to judge, but often it's those we label as 'different' who show us the greatest empathy, warmth, and humanity. Inclusion means we stop creating separate spaces -- and start creating shared ones". Addressing the importance of gatherings like these, R.S Prasanna said, ""We need to create cinema that leaves a mark beyond the box office. If even one heart shifts because of a story we've told, that's enough. And today, more than ever, I believe we're ready to come together -- in theatres and in spirit -- to celebrate that kind of change." Drawing from the multiple perspectives from the panel, Sukriti remarked, "Representation is not just about being seen -- it's about being understood. This conversation reminded us that inclusion isn't decorative. It is foundational to meaningful future developments." The day concluded with a special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that resonated with audiences for its sensitive and transformative portrayal of childhood, disability, neurodivergence and the need for compassionate social systems, serving as a cinematic anchor for the day's conversations. As the host for the day, Stephy Stephen, Senior Research Analyst at ETI Services, guided the flow of the event throughout the day. This cultural exchange between India and Spain reinforces the belief that inclusive storytelling is not only about visibility, but about justice -- and when lived experiences meet the lens of cinema, they build bridges across borders and bring marginalised voices to the center of public discourse. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Wire
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Wire
India–Spain Cultural Exchange Highlights Disability Inclusion through Film and Dialogue
New Delhi, July 4, 2025 — The Embassy of Spain to India, in collaboration with ETI Services and the Agatsu Foundation, hosted a landmark cultural event titled 'Sitaare Zameen Par: India and Spain in Conversation on Inclusion through Disability-focused Cinema' at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. Anchored in the power of storytelling, the event brought together filmmakers, disability rights advocates, and cultural leaders from India and Spain to explore how cinema can advance empathy, dignity, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. The event opened with welcome remarks by Alfonso Herrero Corral, Counsellor at the Embassy of Spain, who emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities and the potential of cinema as a catalyst for social change. The opening session, 'Our Journeys,' featured a compelling conversation with disability rights activists who reflected on their lived experiences and the challenges and transformations that shaped their advocacy. Moderated by Ira Khan, Founder and Director of the Agatsu Foundation, the panel included Sushama Nagarkar, Parag Namdeo, Divyanshu Ganatra, and Danish Mahajan. Their dialogue illuminated the systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities and called for more inclusive, accessible, and affirming spaces—both on and off screen. Summarizing the conversations in the panel, Ira added, 'Disability isn't an inability — and it certainly isn't charity. What we heard today wasn't about exceptionalism, but about the right to live, work, and create with dignity. It's time we moved beyond tokenism, beyond pity, and started treating persons with disabilities as equals — not someday, but now'. This was followed by an address by H.E. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India, who reaffirmed Spain's commitment to advancing disability inclusion and strengthening cultural collaboration with India. In his remarks, he highlighted the shared responsibility of nations to ensure that no one is left behind in narratives of progress, especially in the arts and public life. On the transformative potential of art to bring about impact, the Ambassador remarked, 'What cinema can do — in a way that policy or programming sometimes cannot — is shift imagination. It shows us what is possible, helps us see each other more fully, and reminds us that dignity must never be optional.'. The second half of the event featured a dialogue on inclusion through movies, bringing together the cast and creators behind Sitaare Zameen Par and Spain's celebrated film Campeones. The panel included Aamir Khan (Actor and Producer, joining virtually), Jesús Vidal (Actor, Campeones, joining virtually), Aparna Purohit (CEO, Aamir Khan Productions), R.S. Prasanna (Director), and Divy Nidhi Sharma (Writer), and was moderated by Sukriti Chauhan, CEO of ETI Services. The conversation explored the ethics and impact of representation, the responsibilities of filmmakers, and the personal journeys behind both films. Speaking from his experience as a filmmaker, producer and actor, Aamir Khan remarked, 'I have a dream — that one day, there will be no segregation. We're so quick to judge, but often it's those we label as 'different' who show us the greatest empathy, warmth, and humanity. Inclusion means we stop creating separate spaces — and start creating shared ones'. Addressing the importance of gatherings like these, R.S Prasanna said, ''We need to create cinema that leaves a mark beyond the box office. If even one heart shifts because of a story we've told, that's enough. And today, more than ever, I believe we're ready to come together — in theatres and in spirit — to celebrate that kind of change.' Drawing from the multiple perspectives from the panel, Sukriti remarked, 'Representation is not just about being seen — it's about being understood. This conversation reminded us that inclusion isn't decorative. It is foundational to meaningful future developments.' The day concluded with a special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that resonated with audiences for its sensitive and transformative portrayal of childhood, disability, neurodivergence and the need for compassionate social systems, serving as a cinematic anchor for the day's conversations. As the host for the day, Stephy Stephen, Senior Research Analyst at ETI Services, guided the flow of the event throughout the day. This cultural exchange between India and Spain reinforces the belief that inclusive storytelling is not only about visibility, but about justice — and when lived experiences meet the lens of cinema, they build bridges across borders and bring marginalised voices to the center of public discourse. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aamir Khan's fitness mantra: "Become the best of what you can be" - the actor emphasised on consistency over competition in an old video
A rare throwback video of Aamir Khan has surfaced online, offering an unfiltered look at the actor's grounded approach to fitness. The actor who is known for his jaw-dropping body transformations in films like 'Ghajini' and 'Dangal,' Aamir, has always been admired for his dedication. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But in this candid clip shared by his trainer, the focus isn't on dramatic change, but it's on consistency, mindset, and realistic goals. Fitness is about self-growth, not competition In the video, posted by Poznic Training on YouTube in December 2020, Aamir explains that fitness should never be about outperforming others. Unless you're training for something highly competitive, he believes your goal should be to become the best version of yourself. He emphasizes that flexibility, mobility, and functional strength matter just as much as muscular power. For him, the idea is simple: strive for daily improvement, not perfection. 'So each one of us has our own limits, and the whole concept of training is to make your body do a little more than you thought it can and so you build the strength or you build the flexibility. Like if you try a split on day one, you know you want to do it, but when you do it every day, you'll realise that your spirit is getting better and you're able to be more flexible over time. So whatever level you're at, you take it to another level. You know the important thing is to be fit, be stronger, you know, be able to do things in life that you otherwise would not have been able to do. Like climb a wall, or it could be anything, and become the best of what you can be, and that's what's important," said the actor Progress through patience and repetition Aamir uses the example of attempting a split, a move that may seem impossible at first but becomes attainable with daily effort. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This consistent challenge and small progress each day is what truly defines fitness for him. His workout routine, as seen in the video, includes deadlifts, plyometric push-ups, cardio and functional stretches, all designed to push the body without overwhelming it. Small victories, big impact One of the most relatable moments in the clip is when Aamir completes an exercise and exclaims, 'I made it, I can't believe it!' It's a raw, unscripted reaction that highlights how even seasoned professionals find joy in small milestones. It's a reminder that fitness is deeply personal and every bit of progress is worth celebrating. Balance is the long-term key Aamir also underlines the importance of rest, recovery, and diet. He avoids extremes and focuses instead on a sustainable routine. His mantra: show up, push your limits gently, and stay consistent. This throwback serves as a timeless reminder that fitness is a journey defined by patience, not pressure, and that the quietest victories often build the strongest confidence. Aamir Khan's daughter Ira Khan finds love again in his fitness coach Nupur Shikhar?
NDTV
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Karan Johar Announces New Podcast Live Your Best Life, Initial Guest List Revealed
New Delhi: Meet the newest podcaster in B-Town — none other than Karan Johar. The filmmaker is all set to host his podcast series, titled Live Your Best Life, launching on Audible India on May 24, 2025. And guess who his first guest is? It is Aamir Khan's daughter Ira Khan, the founder of the mental health foundation, Agatsu. On Friday, Ira Khan shared a poster of the podcast on Instagram. In the caption, she revealed that she shared some 'awkward truths' with KJo during the candid conversation. Ira Khan wrote, 'Does your family too feel completely different from all the ones around you? Same here. I talked to Karan Johar on his new podcast Live Your Best Life, about how that's going… spoiler: it's a journey.' 'Tune in for hot takes, awkward truths, and the kind of self-growth that involves a lot of communication. Streaming only on Audible from May 24,' she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ira Khan (@ Not just Ira Khan, actress Konkona Sen Sharma also sat down for a chat with the filmmaker. How do we know? Well, Konkona's latest Instagram post says it all. The actress wrote, 'Ever tried being confident, loving yourself, and showing up like you've got it all together? Same. I talked to Karan Johar on his new podcast Live Your Best Life, about how that's going.' She continued, 'Spoiler: it's a journey. Tune in for hot takes, awkward truths, and the kind of self-growth that involves crying in the shower. Streaming only on Audible from May 24.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Konkona Sensharma (@konkona) Kubbra Sait is also all set to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Karan Johar. The actress shared the poster on Instagram and wrote, 'Are you also trying to build mental resilience and develop new habits? Cause same.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kubbra Sait (@kubbrasait) To announce his podcast, Karan Johar also posted a note on Instagram. The director wrote, 'So…were you living your best life? I wasn't. Not until I started asking the right questions about love, about work, about happiness, about…all of it.' 'This isn't small talk. It's meaningful conversations and honest answers. Live your best life, my new podcast, starts streaming only on Audible India from 24th May,' the director added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) All episodes of Karan Johar's podcast Live Your Best Life will be available on Audible from May 24. In addition to Ira Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma and Kubbra Sait, the podcast series will feature other guests like Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Neha Dhupia, Zakir Khan, Prajakta Koli, Mithila Palkar, and Masaba Gupta.
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Main duniya mein bekar insaan hoon': As Ira Khan battles self-doubt over not earning, father Aamir reassures her; why this is an important parenting lesson
Ira Khan, daughter of actor Aamir Khan, spoke about her guilt and frustration over not earning money before launching her mental health initiative, Agatsu, in a recent interview. Reflecting on her struggles, Ira shared during a chat with Pinkvilla, 'Mere maa baap ne mere upar — main 26-27 saal ki hoon — bahut paise kharch kiye hain aur main duniya mein bekar insaan hoon, main kuch nhi kar rahi hoon (My parents have spent a lot of money on me, I am 26–27 years old, and I feel like a useless person in this world, I am not doing anything).' Aamir Khan then gently reassured his daughter, offering a broader perspective on self-worth and contribution. He clarified, 'Inka matlab hai, paise naa kamana… (She means to say, not earning any money…),' and added, 'Kuch log logon ke kaam aate hain, aur uske awaz mein paisa lete hain, as long as main logon ke kaam aaun, and uske badle paisa loon ya nhi, that's a separate issue. Aap logon ke kaam aao, ye kaafi hai (Some people help others and take money for it; whether or not you take money, as long as you are helping others, that's enough).' Emphasising the value of helping others over financial success, he said, 'Aap itna logon ki help kar rahin hain, as a father, ye mere liye bahot badi cheez hai. Aap paise kama rahe ho ya nhi, wo mere liye important nhi hai, aap kaam accha kar rahe ho, ye mere liye important hai (You are helping so many people, and as a father, that means a lot to me. Whether you are earning money or not is not important to me; the important thing is that you are doing good work).' A post shared by Ira Khan (@ Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells 'Growing up, money is often tied closely to feelings of self-worth and independence. In many Indian households, whether parents spoke positively or negatively about spending on us, there was an underlying message: 'You are valuable when you contribute.' Even well-meaning reminders like 'We do so much for you,' or casual jokes about expenses plant early seeds of guilt.' As we grow, she says, there's a deep, intrinsic drive to want to support ourselves — and eventually give back to our families. When that doesn't happen by a particular timeline society has created — say by your mid-twenties — young adults often internalise it as personal failure, even if they're doing meaningful, important work. 'Financial independence becomes more than just about money — it becomes proof that 'I am capable,' 'I am responsible,' and 'I am enough',' notes the expert. Khangarot mentions, 'Parental reassurance is hugely important — especially in Indian families where expectations around money and success run deep. Financial reassurance — where parents make it clear that their love, pride, and support are not tied to earnings — takes a massive psychological load off young adults.' When financial pressure is left unspoken, Khangarot states, it hangs heavy like invisible homework. 'But when parents, like Aamir Khan did, openly tell their children, 'It's okay, take your time, we are here to support you,' it takes one major item — survival anxiety — off their mental checklist.' When that basic safety net is acknowledged, she says that the young adult's brain can shift from threat mode to growth mode.
