From choosing mental health work over films to embracing a quieter lifestyle, superstar Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta’s daughter Ira Khan in an interview talks about battling depression, how her parents are her support system and why she does not party with star kids.

Ira, who has faced body shaming and mental health struggles in the past, is clear about one thing — films are not her calling. While her brother (Junaid Khan) is already part of the film industry, Ira has chosen a different path and says her work with a NGO defines her career.

“I’ve been working full-time at a NGO for the past five years, with one break in the middle for my mental health. It is my career. I don’t want to pursue films,” she says.

Her decision stems from lived experience rather than rebellion. “After my experience with depression, there seems to be no point in doing anything else with my life. And I get to explore my creative side through the NGO as well.”

Ira credits her father Aamir Khan for shaping her values and work ethic. “I think there are some very helpful things that I have learnt from my dad that I am very grateful for. His work ethic is one of them. He’s always learning new things. The other thing that he’s taught me is to stay true to what I believe in.” 

She adds, “I truly believe that if I were ever in trouble, I can always reach out to my parents — no hesitation and no shame.”

Unlike most celebrity kids, Ira doesn’t enjoy clubbing or loud social scenes. “I like to socialize. I don’t necessarily go out to clubs and party. It’s too loud, and there are too many people,” she explains. Her recovery from depression has changed her lifestyle and priorities. “Since my recovery journey through my depression, I’ve realized sleep is very important to me. So I don’t do late nights, but I socialize in my own way -— karaoke at home, craft hang-outs, just hanging out at home.”

Ira says marriage with fitness coach Nupur Shikhare hasn’t dramatically altered her life. “Life after marriage has been pretty much the same as life before marriage. Which I think is a good thing,” she says, adding that the decision was well thought out.

“I mean, I made a thought-through decision, and we both knew what we were getting into and are very happy about our decision. Even Popeye’s (Nupur Shikhare) bad jokes.”

She also shares that living with her husband and mother-in-law has been smooth. “Life with my husband and mother-in-law has been good. As I said, we’d been living together for a while.”

Having spoken openly about her body image issues and personal complexes, Ira says fitness has now become part of her self-care. Participating in the Mumbai Marathon helped her restart that journey.

She says, “The Mumbai Marathon was definitely a great way for me to kickstart my fitness journey again. There was definitely a big selfish plus side of ‘Hey! This will mean I will have to get fit!’”