Aamir Khan shuts down 'love jihad' claims with one reminder about his family

Actor Aamir Khan has dismissed allegations labelling him the "brand ambassador of love jihad", saying his family has long embraced interfaith marriages without anyone being asked to change their religion. Speaking after his recent marriage to longtime partner Gauri Spratt, the actor said religious conversion has never been part of his relationships or those of his family members. 

Aamir, who married Gauri in an intimate ceremony at his Mumbai residence on July 5, addressed the criticism in an interview with Rediff. He said the repeated claims surrounding his personal life ignored the fact that his family had always respected different faiths and chosen civil marriages over religious ceremonies.

The actor stressed that his marriages to Reena Dutta, Kiran Rao and now Gauri Spratt were all civil unions, adding that none of his spouses converted to another religion.

'Ours is a very inclusive family'

Responding to the allegations, Aamir pointed to several interfaith marriages within his family as examples of its inclusive outlook.

"The truth is that ours is a very inclusive family. Both my sisters are married to Hindus; my daughter is also married to a Hindu. My cousin Mansoor is married to a Christian."

He also rejected suggestions that his marriages involved religious conversion.

"Neither Gauri, Kiran, nor Reena converted their religion, as we had civil marriages. Gauri is not even Hindu; she is Christian, and not even a practising Christian at that. Life is getting more comical as time passes."

His remarks come amid renewed online discussions following his marriage to Gauri, with some social media users reviving the "love jihad" narrative. Aamir has previously faced similar accusations during the release of some of his films, but his latest comments mark one of his clearest responses to the issue.

Aamir and Gauri's relationship

The couple's relationship dates back much further than their romance. The two first became friends around 25 years ago before eventually losing touch. They reconnected a little over two years ago in Bengaluru through the actor's cousin, Nuzhat Khan.

Their friendship gradually developed into a relationship, and they dated for more than two years before marrying earlier this month. Aamir publicly introduced Gauri to the media during celebrations marking his 60th birthday last year, confirming their relationship after years of keeping it private.

Intimate wedding attended by family and close friends

The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony at Aamir's Mumbai home on July 5, with around 150 guests in attendance.

The gathering included members of Aamir's family, close friends and a select group from the film industry and public life. Among those present were his children, Junaid Khan, Ira Khan and Azad, along with Ira's husband, Nupur Shikhare. Businessman Mukesh Ambani, politician Raj Thackeray, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan, comedian Vir Das and actor Elli AvrRam were also among the guests.

Aamir's previous marriages

Before marrying Gauri, Aamir had been married twice.

He married his childhood friend Reena Dutta in 1986, and the couple had two children, Junaid and Ira, before ending their marriage in 2002 after 16 years together.

In 2005, he married filmmaker Kiran Rao, whom he met during the making of ‘Lagaan’, where she worked as an assistant director. The couple welcomed their son, Azad, through surrogacy and announced their separation in 2021. Despite their divorce, Aamir and Kiran have continued to co-parent their son.