Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga questioned why Kiran Rao doesn’t address the alleged misogyny in her ex-husband Aamir Khan’s previous films.
Filmmaker Kiran Rao has addressed Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s accusation regarding her alleged failure to address misogyny in her ex-husband Aamir Khan’s ’90s films. In an interview with The Quint, she responded to Vanga’s suggestion that she should critique her own surroundings before criticizing his movies, such as his 2019 film Kabir Singh. Kiran’s remarks shed light on her perspective amidst the ongoing debate over the portrayal of gender dynamics in cinema.
Kiran Rao defended Aamir Khan by highlighting his rare willingness to apologize for misogyny in his past work. She referenced an episode of his TV show Satyamev Jayate, where he publicly apologized for the suggestive song “Khambe Jaisi Khadi Hai” from the 1990 film Dil, in which he starred alongside Madhuri Dixit. Kiran praised Aamir’s introspection and accountability, noting that few individuals are willing to acknowledge and apologize for problematic aspects of their past work.
Kiran Rao emphasized that if Sandeep Reddy Vanga has concerns about Aamir Khan’s work, he should address them directly with Khan himself. She stated, “If Mr. Vanga has something to tell Aamir, he should tell him man to man. I’m not responsible for Aamir’s work or Aamir Khan. I wish Mr. Reddy would address his questions directly to Mr. Khan.” Kiran and Aamir divorced in 2021 after 16 years of marriage but continue to co-parent their son, Azad, and collaborate professionally. Aamir is co-producing Kiran’s upcoming directorial, Laapataa Ladies, and Kiran recently participated in his daughter Ira Khan’s wedding festivities.
In the interview, Kiran Rao clarified that she never directly referenced Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s movies when discussing misogyny in Bollywood films. She explained that since she hasn’t seen his work, she doesn’t understand why he would assume her criticism was directed at his films. Kiran emphasized that she has consistently spoken out against misogyny in the industry and will continue to do so.
On Monday, the official handle of the movie “Animal” responded to Kiran’s statement, stating, “We, neither our Director Mr. @imvangasandeep, are making any assumptions Miss @ikiranrao! It’s a fact reported by a very big media channel.”
Previously, Kiran Rao mentioned films like Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 2019 romantic movie “Kabir Singh” and SS Rajamouli’s 2015 action epic “Baahubali: The Beginning” as examples of films laced with misogyny that became blockbusters. Sandeep Reddy Vanga responded to her claim by urging her to comment on Aamir Khan’s past work, specifically mentioning the film “Dil.”
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