In a recent open and heartfelt disclosure, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan revealed for the first time his son Junaid Khan's struggle with dyslexia, providing new insight into the very personal inspiration behind his award-winning 2007 movie, Taare Zameen Par.
During a fan interaction event for his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir opened up about his initial struggles as a parent in understanding and addressing Junaid's condition. "I’ve never spoken about this until today. This is the first time I'm saying it. And the reason is that many years have elapsed. Secondly, the individual I'm going to speak of has already spoken publicly about this. So now I can speak freely about it. I'm speaking of Junaid – my son Junaid," Aamir admitted.
The actor also expressed having imitated the character of Nandkishore Awasthi, the disciplinarian father from Taare Zameen Par, who misinterprets his dyslexic son's problems. "It struck me so forcefully, because I've lived through it myself. I was like Nandkishore Awasthi initially," he revealed. "I used to reprimand Junaid when he couldn't grasp letters. I didn't know any better then."
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Aamir's dramatic rendition of a sympathetic art teacher who guides a dyslexic boy in Taare Zameen Par touched the hearts of audiences across the globe, creating widespread awareness about the learning disorder. His recent confession highlights the real base of the film, which was that the story was not an imaginary one but a replica of how his own family had traversed.
Aamir had maintained this private information for years, respecting his son's privacy. But he elaborated that Junaid has now shared his experience in public through an interview, and that has provided a sense of comfort and approval to Aamir to speak about it publicly.
This disclosure by one of India's most powerful personalities is a strong reminder of the plight of dyslexics and the need for early awareness, tolerance, and proper intervention. Aamir Khan's bravery in coming out about his family's history will only go to further demystify learning differences and promote free discourse on neurodiversity within families and society in general.