Following Aamir Khan’s intimate wedding to Gauri Spratt, his close friend and ‘Lagaan’ co-star Amin Hajee has spoken candidly about the actor’s past relationships, sharing his thoughts on Aamir’s separation from Kiran Rao and what he admires about Reena Dutta, Kiran and Gauri.In an interview with Rediff.com, Amin admitted that the news of Aamir and Kiran ending their marriage had taken him by surprise. “That’s a question I’ve often asked myself. If someone can explain why two people fall in love, perhaps they can also explain why they fall out of love.”Reflecting on relationships, Amin said they are often far more layered than they appear to outsiders.“Relationships are far more complex. People evolve, they change, and sometimes they grow in different directions. Over time, they may realise they are no longer the same people they once were.” He added that he never felt it was appropriate to ask Aamir or Kiran about the reasons behind their split. “Aamir and Kiran were together for 15 years. When they told us they were separating, I was genuinely shocked. But what impressed me was the way they handled it. Not once did they behave in a manner that suggested bitterness or hostility. Whatever was personal remained personal. There were no public arguments, no disrespect. I don’t know what happened between them because they don’t discuss such personal reasons with us.”According to Amin, the cordial bond between Kiran and Gauri Spratt is another reflection of the maturity with which everyone has handled the situation.“I have seen Kiran and Gauri chatting warmly. There’s no awkwardness or negativity.” Having been friends with Aamir for nearly 30 years, Amin reflected on the important role each of the three women has played in different phases of the actor’s life.Speaking about Reena Dutta, he credited her unwavering support during the making of ‘Lagaan’. “Reena was like a rock. She stepped in to produce Lagaan because she knew Aamir needed her support.”He also recalled the mutual respect the couple shared while working together on the film. “Whenever there were disagreements over budgets or production, Aamir never dismissed her views. He would patiently explain why certain decisions had to be made for the sake of the film. There was a great deal of mutual respect between them.”Amin admitted that Aamir and Reena’s separation deeply affected him. “When Aamir told us that he and Reena were separating, I was heartbroken.”He then remembered meeting Kiran Rao for the first time when she was an assistant director on ‘Lagaan’. Recalling one incident from the shoot, Amin said he had refused to report to the set after being spoken to rudely by another assistant director. “Kiran then came and said, ‘Baggu, put the tikkas only when you feel ready. No one is going to force you.’ She did not make me feel guilty though I later realised she herself had probably been reprimanded because of the delay. That’s how I remember Kiran: Intelligent and compassionate.”Speaking about Gauri Spratt, Amin described her as someone who has quietly won over those around her. “Gauri is special in her own way. We’ve spent time together in Panchgani, where she enjoys long walks, nature and a simple lifestyle. She’s an accomplished entrepreneur and has worked in the fashion and beauty business. But she does not talk about her achievements.” He added that what distinguishes Gauri the most is her emotional maturity.“What stands out about Gauri is her emotional intelligence. She listens before she speaks. She prefers to understand every side of a situation before forming an opinion.” Aamir himself has previously spoken about the lasting respect he shares with both Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao despite the end of their marriages.In an earlier interview with India Today, the actor reflected on the significance of both women in his life. “You know the important people I met in my life, like Reena – she and I were married when we were together for 16 years. It was a runaway marriage; we eloped to get married. The most important relationships that I had in my life were with these wonderful people. Both Reena and Kiran are amazing people. These two women are the ones I have spent my life with, and they have given me a lot.” He also said that although their relationships had evolved over time, the love and mutual respect between them had endured.
