Aamir Khan has spoken candidly about working with his son Junaid Khan, sharing that the young actor deliberately chose to carve his own path in the film industry without relying on his father's name or influence.
Junaid's Independent Journey
In an interview with Zee Music Company, Aamir revealed that Junaid consciously avoided leveraging his family background. Instead, he went through the rigorous process of auditions and rejections on his own merit.
"He doesn't try to emulate me at all. He doesn't follow the way I built my career. He is creating his own path entirely," Aamir said.
Training and Rejections
The superstar disclosed that Junaid trained in theatre before moving to Mumbai, where he regularly met casting directors for auditions. According to Aamir, very few people in the industry even knew Junaid was his son at the time.
"He learned theatre. Then he came to Bombay, did theatre, and met casting directors. The media hardly saw him. They did not know he is my son. I never told anyone either," Aamir explained.
Aamir added that Junaid faced multiple rejections before finally landing the film Maharaj. "He was rejected 8-10 times in auditions. The role has to suit you. Finally, he got Maharaj," he shared.
The actor also recalled learning about Junaid's casting through filmmaker Aditya Chopra. "Adi told me, 'I have tested your son for a film and I am making a film with him.' I said, 'Oh, what a surprise!'" Aamir recounted.
Creating His Own Identity
Aamir emphasized that Junaid has always preferred building his own identity rather than depending on his father's stardom. "He doesn't like to use my name. He doesn't like to use me," the actor said candidly.
Explaining why Junaid was perfect for the role in Maharaj, Aamir noted that the character's shy and introverted personality naturally matched his son's real-life demeanor. "He is rather geeky in real life too. He is an introvert, diffident... I felt he was the right actor for that role, and he has done a wonderful job," Aamir shared.
Emotional Reflections on Fatherhood
During the interaction, Aamir became emotional while discussing fatherhood and admitted regretting not spending enough time with his children due to his career. "I feel I did not give enough time to my children. Now I am trying to make up for lost time," he confessed.
Calling the opportunity to work with Junaid deeply emotional, Aamir added, "This is the first opportunity as a father to do something for my son. I am very grateful for that."
However, the actor clarified that he would never cast family members in films unless they were genuinely right for the part. "In my films, I will never take my son or my family unless they are right for the film. I do not believe in that at all," he concluded.
