Actor Aamir Khan, 59, has shared his ongoing efforts to rebuild his relationship with his daughter, Ira Khan, 27, in an unexpected yet heartfelt revelation. In the past, Aamir has frequently stated that although he is now close to his children, he was an absentee father when they were growing up. Now, the father-daughter duo is undergoing joint therapy to address long-standing issues. This disclosure came during a Netflix India video conversation on mental health, where the duo appeared alongside Dr Vivek Murthy (surgeon general of the US).

“Therapy is so helpful. I think she [Ira] pushed me down that path. I would strongly recommend therapy to anyone who feels the need for it,” Aamir said. “In fact, Ira and I also have started joint therapy. The two of us go to a therapist to work on how to make our relationship better and resolve issues that have lingered for years,” he added.

Ira, who is Aamir’s second child from his first marriage to producer Reena Dutta, added her perspective: “Because nobody tells you that you need to work on your relationship with your parents. They’re just like, ‘Haan, it’ll happen’. It doesn’t happen.”

Ira, unlike her father, has carved her niche outside the glitz of acting. She has often been candid about her struggles with depression on social media. Married earlier this year to fitness trainer Nupur Shikhare, she has consistently highlighted the importance of open dialogue around mental health.

Speaking on the societal stigma surrounding therapy in India, Aamir said: “I’m a fairly intelligent guy. I can think things through... but no, I can’t. It doesn’t matter how worldly-wise you are. We know so little about our minds.” The actor also noted how therapy helped him understand himself better: “A person with the right knowledge can help you in leaps and bounds. In India, a lot of us feel, ‘If I go for therapy, I have a mental problem.’ But it’s okay to need help. I’ve benefited greatly from it.”