Junaid Khan has found himself at the center of attention yet again, but this time, it's not solely for his upcoming film. The son of renowned Bollywood actor Aamir Khan stirred controversy during the Bigg Boss 18 finale, where he made comments about his father's ex-wives, Kiran Rao and Reena Dutta. This flippant remark sparked laughter among the audience, but Junaid later expressed regrets about stepping over the line.
On January 19, 2025, Junaid joined his father and actress Khushi Kapoor on the set of Bigg Boss 18 to promote their film, Loveyapa, slated for release on February 7. The episode featured a playful segment where Aamir and host Salman Khan exchanged their phones, prompting playful jabs about their romantic histories. Salman teased Aamir, saying, "What do I even see in your phone? Either Reena or Kiran would have texted you." Capitalizing on this cue, Junaid chimed in, remarking, "Toh do-do ex-wives ki gaaliyan padh paoge aap (You’ll get to read abuses from two ex-wives)."
The comedic atmosphere quickly turned when the episode aired and Junaid reflected on his quip. Speaking with Bollywood Bubble, he admitted, "I mean, maybe it was a little out of place. No, I mean, they’re both very, very senior actors, so I think I should have behaved a little more… They both have been doing this for 40 years now, and they are both fantastic. So maybe I should have behaved myself." His acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation shows maturity, particularly coming from someone still carving out his identity within the industry.
Aamir Khan's history is no secret. His first marriage was to childhood sweetheart Reena Dutta back in 1986. The couple had two children, Ira and Junaid, but their union concluded after 15 years, with the two parting ways amicably due to personal differences. Aamir then married Kiran Rao, who was not only his partner but also his collaborator, especially on films like Lagaan. They welcomed their son Azad through surrogacy before announcing their separation in 2021, emphasizing the importance of co-parenting for the sake of their child.
With his own film debut on the horizon, Junaid is determined to focus on establishing himself as more than just Aamir Khan’s son. Yet, stepping beyond the family legacy can often come with challenges, especially for those who make headlines for the wrong reasons. Walking the tightrope between humor and respect can be tricky, as Junaid's recent experience highlights.
Throughout Bollywood's history, family dynamics have often played out publicly, and this latest event is no different. Junaid's cute mishap on Bigg Boss showcases the blending of family life and professional obligations. At the same time, it provides insight on how personal experiences interweave with public personas, especially within such a tightly-knit industry.
Loveyapa, Junaid's first major role, is directed by Advait Chandan and aims to bring fresh narratives to audiences, inspired by the Tamil hit Love Today. The film's supporting cast includes notable names from the industry, such as Ashutosh Rana and Kiku Sharda, setting high expectations for Junaid's performance.
It seems this misstep could serve as a lesson for Junaid as he navigates the spotlight, reiterative of the adage about the importance of choosing words wisely. The audience is reminded yet again of the fine line between joviality and propriety, especially when family ties are involved. Cultural expectations often dictate decorum, and Junaid’s poignant regret speaks volumes about the pressures young actors face as they step out of their parents' shadows.
While Junaid’s comments sparked laughter and light-hearted banter on the show, they also reinforce the significance of everyday decisions made by public figures and how those comments can resonate long afterwards. The upcoming weeks will certainly see greater scrutiny on Junaid as the release of Loveyapa approaches, leaving fans and critics alike eager to see how he will continue to define himself aside from the illustrious legacy of his father.