Aamir Khan Talks About Junaid’s Dyslexia, Says He Was Like Ishaan’s Father in Taare Zameen Par: ‘I Used to Scold Him’

Aamir Khan, known for his deeply emotional and socially impactful films, recently revealed a deeply personal chapter from his life that directly relates to one of his most iconic movies, Taare Zameen Par. While speaking at a promotional event for his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, the actor shared that his son, Junaid Khan, was diagnosed with dyslexia, and he initially failed to recognize the signs.

Aamir emotionally admitted that in Junaid’s early years, he unknowingly behaved like Nandkishore Awasthi, the stern and emotionally distant father he portrayed in Taare Zameen Par. In the 2007 film, Aamir's character failed to understand his son's struggles with dyslexia until later in the story—mirroring what he now acknowledges happened in real life with Junaid. “I was like Nandkishore Awasthi in the beginning. I used to scold Junaid,” Aamir confessed. He shared that he would often get frustrated with Junaid’s handwriting and reading issues, thinking they were simply due to a lack of focus or effort.

It was only after reading the script of Taare Zameen Par that Aamir and his then-wife Reena Dutta began to suspect that Junaid might also be facing similar challenges as Ishaan, the film’s protagonist. Their concern led them to seek medical advice, which confirmed that Junaid had dyslexia. This diagnosis was a turning point, helping Aamir understand the importance of awareness, patience, and empathy in parenting children with learning difficulties.

Junaid Khan, who is now set to make his debut as an actor in the upcoming film Loveyapa, has also spoken about his condition. He shared that while reading the script of Taare Zameen Par with his parents, they noticed the parallels between Ishaan’s behavior and his own. It was during this moment that the realization struck, and the family took steps to ensure Junaid received the support and understanding he needed.

Aamir Khan’s forthcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, which is being positioned as a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par, also explores themes related to children with special needs. Though it presents a new story and characters, it carries forward the same message of empathy, understanding, and the need to break social taboos around learning disabilities. The film is expected to release on June 20 and aims to once again highlight the struggles and triumphs of children who learn differently.

Aamir’s candid sharing about Junaid’s dyslexia is not just a revelation but a reminder that even the most aware and educated parents can sometimes miss early signs of learning disorders. His journey from misunderstanding to support reflects a powerful transformation—both as a parent and an artist. It reinforces the message that awareness, acceptance, and love can make a real difference in a child’s life. Through his films and personal story, Aamir continues to champion causes that inspire both introspection and change.