Aamir Khan's Kids' Names: Unpacking the Meaning Behind Junaid, Ira, and Azad
Actor Aamir Khan discusses his children's lack of Hindu names, despite both his wives being of Hindu faith.
Bollywood heartthrob Aamir Khan opened up about the vivid stories behind the names of his three cherished offspring on Aap Ki Adalat with renowned journalist Rajat Sharma. We dive into the captivating tales and meanings behind the names Junaid, Ira, and Azad.
In an amusing moment during the interview, Sharma pointed out the sequence of Aamir's relationships - his first wife Reena, his second wife Kiran, and humorously hinted at a possible third spouse named "Gauri," referring to Aamir's current partner, Gauri Spratt. Aamir responded with a bashful grin and crossed fingers, before tackling the ever-intriguing question of why his children's names don't appear to reflect their mothers' religious backgrounds.
Explaining the process, Aamir shared that the names of his children were solely selected by his wives. "Since you're a husband too, you know how it is. Husbands usually don't get to decide. It was Reena who picked the names Junaid and Ira," said the actor casually.
When dissecting the meaning of daughter Ira's name, Aamir highlighted its cultural importance. "Ira is another name for Goddess Saraswati. Surely you've come across the name Irawati? Ira is a shorter version of that. It turns out my first wife, Reena, found the moniker in Maneka Gandhi's Book of Hindu Names," he explained.
Delving into the tale behind his youngest son, Azad, Khan divulged that the name was Kiran Rao's choice as a tribute to India's esteemed freedom fighter, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Khan, who boasts a lineage with the national hero, wore his pride on his sleeve when discussing the reasons behind the enlightening namesake.
"Maulana Azad made multiple sacrifices for our country's freedom, joining forces with the likes of Nehru, Gandhi, and Sardar Patel. He's a tremendous source of inspiration for us, so my second wife, Kiran, proposed that we christen our son Azad," Khan explained with palpable excitement.
Azad, which signifies "free" or "liberated" in several languages, including Persian and Urdu, symbolizes a strong sense of independence and freedom. The moniker isn't solely affiliated with the Muslim faith since it's common knowledge among Indians of all backgrounds that Chandrashekhar Azad, another well-known freedom fighter, also bore the name.
Embodying the beliefs of inclusivity and harmony, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao opted for a name that transcends religious boundaries and underscores the essence of India's rich heritage and collective struggle for liberation.
Curiously, Aamir Khan married Reena Dutta in 1986. Together, they are proud parents of Junaid and Ira. Unfortunately, the couple parted ways in 2002. Fast forward to 2005, Khan wed Kiran Rao, and they welcomed son Azad into the world in 2011. Although the duo announced their separation in 2021, they remain dedicated to sharing parenting responsibilities. Notably, Gauri Spratt, Aamir's current partner, made her first public appearance with the star during his 60th birthday celebrations.
In conclusion, the appellations Junaid, Ira, and Azad further portray the power of cultural integration, a respect for diverse traditions, and a deep-rooted pride in both Muslim and broader Indian heritage that defines the spirit of Aamir Khan and his family.
In the spirit of honoring diverse cultural traditions, Aamir Khan's wife, Kiran Rao, selected the name Azad for their son as a tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a renowned Indian freedom fighter, symbolizing the ideals of freedom and independence. Furthermore, the entertainment industry has not been untouched by DeFi's influence, as Khan's finance-focused investments have expanded to include digital assets, reflecting the growing intersection of tradition and innovation within the market.
