Aamir Khan’s daughter reveals why she never looked in the mirror growing up: ‘I would sneak glances and then…’

Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira has consistently spoken openly about her mental health journey and has never attempted to hide the emotional battles she has faced. On Monday, she shared a deeply personal video on her Instagram account, where she reflected on the long and complicated relationship she has had with her body over the years. In the caption accompanying the video, Ira explained that she was revisiting a phase from her life when she believed she was unhealthy and overweight. She described the painful realization of what it feels like to be almost at war with one’s own body, weight, and relationship with nourishment, adding that it was among the most distressing experiences she has ever endured.

In the video, Ira began by describing her childhood habit of avoiding mirrors altogether. She explained that she associated looking at herself with vanity, which led her to turn away even during everyday moments like brushing her teeth or standing in an elevator. At times, she would steal brief glances at her reflection and immediately avert her eyes, even when she was alone. As a result, she never developed a clear sense of how she actually looked. Because of this, when she initially believed she was overweight, what she truly meant was that she lacked physical fitness. She admitted that she had no real understanding of her own appearance during that period.

“I grew up never looking in the mirror because I thought it was vain, so even when I brushed my teeth or when I was in a lift, I would never look in the mirror. I would sneak glances and then look away even when no one was watching..." she said.


Ira went on to reveal that her struggles intensified over time. There were days when she would break down in tears at the gym, which eventually led her to quit and turn instead to activities she enjoyed more, such as playing football. Despite these changes, her condition continued to deteriorate, and without realizing it, she gained around 30 kilograms. By the end of 2020, she reached a point where eating became emotionally overwhelming. She felt unable to consume food unless her mother or a medical professional explicitly reassured her that it was acceptable. Even home-cooked meals filled her with guilt. She also recalled episodes where she would order large quantities of desserts, consume everything at once, and then feel physically unwell afterward.

During this difficult phase, Ira found unwavering support in her father, Aamir Khan. He accompanied her to Germany, where they attended a medically supervised fasting retreat. They stayed there for 17 days, during which Ira fasted under strict medical guidance to ensure her safety. Beyond the fasting regimen, participants were allowed to engage freely in various activities. Daily walks were organized, and attendees were divided into different groups based on their physical capacity, including a fasting group, a moderate group, and a slower-paced group for elderly participants.

Ira shared that when she joined the moderate group, her father remained by her side throughout the walks. She vividly recalled feeling overwhelmed and breaking down emotionally, unsure of how to take even the next step. Aamir stood beside her, holding her hand, encouraging her to move forward one step at a time. Despite his reassurance, she remembered looking down and feeling an intense sense of helplessness.

Concluding the video, Ira reflected on the years between 2020 and 2026, during which she experienced multiple phases of severe weight gain. She revealed that when she finally checked her weight in June last year, she was shocked to see the number had reached 84 kilograms, especially since the last time she had checked, it was much lower. Addressing others facing similar struggles, she expressed empathy for anyone dealing with weight gain or loss, acknowledging how painful and exhausting it can be when one feels disconnected from their own body. She emphasized that battling such issues can be deeply distressing and emotionally draining, describing it as one of the hardest feelings a person can experience.