Kiran Rao On Being Spotted With Ex-Husband Aamir Khan After Divorce: We Are Still Very Close | EXCLUSIVE

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has managed to survive in the movie theatres for fifty days, which is no small feat in today’s day and age when films starring A-listers are biting the dust. Kiran is happy with how far her sophomore film has gone so far. In an exclusive interview with Zoom, she expressed how she's feeling after the success of

Laapata Ladies.

Laapataa Ladies has completed fifty days recently?

I am really happy that the film has completed 50 days, especially because it has sustained purely through word of mouth. It is a sign of how much the film was loved by the audience who saw it, and for that I am truly grateful.

Laapataa Ladies was never meant to be a blockbuster. Are you happy with how far it has reached?

Well, I was hoping it would be a blockbuster; which director doesn’t?! But honestly, I am really happy that it reached the audience that it did, and that the reaction was so overwhelmingly positive. To be in cinemas in the 8th week, and in some places still playing to full houses, is quite rare. So yes, I am delighted!

Would you like to direct a purported blockbuster with lots of masala, songs and stars?

Yes, of course I do. Like I said, which filmmaker doesn’t want to make a blockbuster? But there’s no formula for a blockbuster. As far as I am concerned, whatever genre I choose to make next, it’s most important the story has to excite me creatively. That is the most important consideration for me. We put in years of work and passion into films, and often the box office result is not in our hands; so I can only do what is in my hands, which is to make a good film.

What are you directing next?

I am developing a supernatural thriller, a comedy-drama series, and several other projects as well. I am not sure which one will go into production first, but I am excited about all of them.

As a working woman and mother, how difficult is it for you to balance your dual responsibilities?

Honestly, I have been very privileged to have the help and support that l have had in my working career, both at home and in my professional environment. The support of my parents, friends, and especially Indira who works with me at home, has allowed me the freedom to pursue my career.

Aamir and you are still seen together everywhere. So I am a bit confused about the divorce. Would you care to shed some light on this?

To be honest, I have answered this question perhaps too many times, so I might be repeating myself. After being married for almost 18 years, and since there was never any rancour between us, we are still very close, as parents of Azad, as colleagues in the film work that we do, and as friends. We still consider each other family and will continue to do so I’m sure in the long run.

Finally, marriages are falling apart all around us. Do you recommend that couples should live-in before marrying?

Human relationships are complex, and I believe people (consenting adults) should have the freedom to explore and define their relationships however they choose. We need to be understanding of each other’s needs and work towards replacing moral judgement with love and empathy.