Long before he became “Mr. Perfectionist†of Bollywood, Aamir Khan was just a 19-year-old boy with a shy smile, a deep love for cinema, and a crush on the girl next door. That girl was Reena Dutta, his neighbour in Mumbai’s Bandra, who had no connection to the film industry and no idea that the quiet young man in the building opposite hers would one day be one of India’s most celebrated actors.
Their story began in the simplest way — with glances from balconies, passing hellos, and the unspoken electricity of young attraction. Aamir, who had just started his career as an assistant director, found himself drawn to Reena’s grounded, unaffected personality. But she wasn’t easily convinced. For months, his feelings remained a secret, scribbled in diary pages and tucked away behind his introverted demeanour.
When Aamir finally mustered the courage to tell her, Reena turned him down. But he didn’t give up. Slowly, his sincerity and persistence won her over, and love blossomed — quietly, away from the public eye. At the time, Aamir’s parents were unaware of the relationship, and the young couple kept it hidden, wary of the pressures of a conservative setup.
Their romance culminated in a bold decision. On April 18, 1986, just before the release of Aamir’s debut film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, they married in a quiet civil ceremony, without the knowledge or approval of their families. It was an act of pure conviction — two young people betting on love, even if it meant defying norms.
Reena never chased the limelight. She stayed out of the industry, working in travel and later supporting Aamir’s career from behind the scenes. She even made a rare public appearance as a producer for Lagaan (2001), which went on to be nominated for an Oscar. By then, the couple had two children — Junaid and Ira — and seemed like the picture of stability in an industry known for its fleeting relationships.
But life, as it often does, brought changes neither had anticipated. In December 2002, after 16 years of marriage, Aamir and Reena announced their separation. The split was amicable and without scandal, but it sent shockwaves through fans who had believed in their fairytale. Both emphasised that the decision was mutual and that they would remain committed to co-parenting their children.
In the years since, Aamir has often spoken about his respect for Reena. He has credited her with being a pillar of strength during his early struggles and the one who stood by him when his career was uncertain. Reena, true to her nature, has stayed away from public commentary, living a private life and maintaining cordial ties with Aamir’s family.
Their love story might not have had the “happily ever after†fans hoped for, but it remains one of Bollywood’s most understated romances — marked by youthful courage, deep companionship, and a dignified parting. It’s a reminder that some relationships, even if they don’t last forever, still shape us in ways we carry for life.
