Film producer, screenwriter, director, mother — Kiran Rao wears many hats. Although married to superstar Aamir Khan for 15 years (the couple divorced in 2021), Rao has worked tirelessly over the years to establish an independent identity within the industry. Her directorial debut took place in 2011 with Dhobi Ghat, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was long-listed for the BAFTA awards.
Dhobi Ghat was more of a critical success than commercial, but for someone like Rao — who, despite being in the spotlight, has resolutely resisted being influenced by industry trends — it didn’t create a dent in her process. Rao is currently awaiting the release of Laapataa Ladies, which is set to hit theatres on 1 March; a comedy that spins a delightful tale about two young brides who get accidentally swapped on a train and, in the process, end up embarking on an adventure of self-discovery and womanhood.
Although Rao and Aamir Khan officially divorced in 2021, they remain on great terms, and the former couple were even seen celebrating together at Ira Khan’s (Aamir Khan’s daughter) wedding to Nupur Shikhare.
But did you know that Kiran Rao hails from Royalty? And that she’s related to a popular Bollywood actor?
Kiran Rao family: The filmmaker belongs to a Royal Dynasty, is related to this Bollywood actor & more
Royal Family
Kiran Rao was born in Hyderabad on 7 November 1973, but she grew up in Kolkata. Rao is, in fact, fluent in Bengali and for her schooling, attended both Loreto House and La Martiniere For Girls. Her father worked as an executive in a private firm. Her love for filmmaking has its roots in the city, with a young Rao influenced by the works of stalwarts Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak.