Aamir Khan & Kiran Rao: India's Most Civilized Celebrity Divorce — A Joint Video That Stunned Bollywood
They divorced on video, called each other family, and meant it
Key Facts
What Happened
On July 3, 2021, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and filmmaker Kiran Rao released a joint statement and video announcing the end of their 15-year marriage. In a country where celebrity divorces are typically tabloid bloodbaths, their announcement was revolutionary in its warmth. 'In these 15 beautiful years together we have shared a lifetime of experiences, joy and laughter, and our relationship has only grown in trust, respect and love,' they wrote. 'Now we would like to begin a new chapter in our lives — no longer as husband and wife, but as co-parents and family for each other.'
Aamir Khan is one of India's biggest film stars, known for socially conscious blockbusters like 'Dangal,' '3 Idiots,' and 'PK.' Kiran Rao is a respected filmmaker and producer in her own right. They met on the sets of 'Lagaan' (2001), where Kiran was an assistant director. They married in 2005, and their son Azad Rao Khan was born via surrogacy in 2011. Throughout their marriage, they collaborated on the Paani Foundation, a drought-relief organization in Maharashtra, and co-produced several films.
What made their divorce remarkable was what came after: nothing changed. They continued co-parenting Azad, continued running the Paani Foundation together, and continued their professional collaboration. Kiran directed 'Laapataa Ladies' (2023), which Aamir produced — the film became a critical and commercial success. In interviews, Kiran has described herself as 'happily divorced' and said Aamir's mother is 'still my mother-in-law.' The family continues to celebrate holidays together.
Under Indian divorce law, mutual consent divorce requires a six-month 'cooling off' period between the first and second motions, designed to prevent impulsive decisions. The Supreme Court of India can waive this period in certain cases. Indian law also recognizes different personal laws for different religions — Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim personal law, Special Marriage Act — each with different divorce provisions. Aamir (Muslim) and Kiran (Hindu) were married under the Special Marriage Act, which applies a uniform civil framework regardless of religion.
Legal Breakdown: Amicable Divorce & Co-Parenting
India's Multiple Divorce Law Systems
India does not have a single uniform divorce law. Instead, different religions follow different personal laws: the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Muslim personal law (which includes talaq), the Indian Divorce Act (for Christians), and the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act. The Special Marriage Act (1954) provides a secular alternative for interfaith or civil marriages. This means the legal process, grounds, waiting periods, and property rights can vary dramatically depending on which law governs your marriage — a complexity that has no direct parallel in U.S. law.
Mutual Consent and the Cooling-Off Period
Under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act and similar provisions in other laws, mutual consent divorce requires both parties to file jointly, then wait six months before the court grants the decree. This mandatory 'cooling off' period is intended to prevent hasty decisions but can also trap people in marriages they want to leave. The Supreme Court has the power to waive this period in exceptional cases. In contrast, many U.S. states have no mandatory waiting period for mutual consent divorces.
The Co-Parenting Model as Legal Strategy
Aamir and Kiran's continued collaboration serves both emotional and legal purposes. By demonstrating an ongoing cooperative relationship, they avoided contentious custody proceedings entirely. Indian courts strongly favor the 'welfare of the child' principle, and judges look favorably on parents who show they can work together. Their approach — joint custody, shared holidays, continued family relationships — is increasingly recommended by family law experts worldwide as the gold standard for post-divorce parenting.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Amicable divorce is not weakness — it is the hardest, most mature path. Aamir and Kiran proved it is possible even under the intense scrutiny of Bollywood celebrity culture.
- →A joint announcement controls the narrative and prevents the media (or family members) from turning one party into the villain.
- →Divorce does not have to mean the end of every shared project. If you have a business, foundation, or shared passion, consider how to preserve it.
- →If you are in an interfaith marriage, understand which legal framework governs your divorce — it can make an enormous difference in process, timeline, and rights.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.