Aamir Khan Opens Up on Strict Childhood: ‘Romantic Films Were Not Allowed’
How we engage with entertainment often feels like a matter of personal choice, but early life experiences can quietly shape these preferences. Actor Aamir Khan recently reflected on how his upbringing influenced his relationship with films—and why he still rarely watches movies today.
Speaking in a recent interview, Aamir shared that he has always been more inclined towards reading than watching films. “This is how I’ve been since childhood. I’ve been a reader. The only films I watched regularly were black-and-white or older movies that aired on Doordarshan,” he said.
He revealed that he grew up in a conservative household where strict rules governed what he could watch. “We were not really allowed to watch films. Even if I asked, my mother would sometimes agree, but romantic films were strictly not allowed,” he recalled.
Despite entering the film industry at a young age—starting as an assistant director at 18—Aamir admitted that his viewing habits never changed much. “Some people play football, others watch it. I make films, but I barely watch them. I don’t keep up with the latest releases or even what’s happening in Hollywood. I’m in my own world,” he said.
Experts believe such early restrictions can have a lasting impact. Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani explained that growing up in a restrictive environment often leads to “internalised norms,” where beliefs and preferences are shaped by authority figures.
“When certain forms of entertainment are limited, children may either adopt those restrictions as their own preferences or develop less curiosity towards them,” she noted. Over time, this can influence leisure choices, with individuals gravitating towards familiar or ‘acceptable’ activities—such as reading or intellectually engaging pursuits.
She further explained that limited exposure during formative years can reduce emotional and sensory connection with certain types of content. “If romantic themes were discouraged, they may later feel uncomfortable or less relatable. This is part of emotional conditioning, where certain experiences are subconsciously linked with discomfort or hesitation,” she said.
However, she emphasised that such patterns are not permanent. With new experiences and conscious exposure, individuals can reshape their preferences and emotional responses over time.
