Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira Khan recently grabbed attention when she did a sizzling photoshoot in a red bralette and denim hot pants. She flaunted her washboard abs and belly ring with her hair done in braids. The 21-year-old had posted the picture on social media sparking speculation that she is prepping for her acting debut. But, we have learnt otherwise. The youngster is keener on being behind the cameras than in front of it. And it’s not the big screen that she is looking at, at least for now.
Aamir’s beti is all set to make her directorial debut with a theatre play, Euripides’ Medea, which is a Greek tragedy. The plot centres on the actions of Medea, a former princess of the barbarian kingdom of Colchis, and the wife of Jason; she finds her position in the Greek world threatened as Jason leaves her for the princess of Corinth. Medea takes vengeance on Jason by murdering Jason’s new wife as well as her own children, after which she escapes to Athens to start a new life.
Ira has already commenced work on her directorial venture in full force. The premiere of the play is scheduled in December this year and will be staged in multiple cities across India.
When asked what prompted her to turn towards directing instead of acting, especially, since her photoshoot had got a great response, the newbie said, “It was never really a choice between directing or acting. I’ve always wanted to make the movie rather than be in it. My photo session was for my art. It was a stand-alone shoot with a concept and in order to be true to it, required me to do the shoot myself.”
As for the play, Ira says she liked the original, so she is sticking to it. “The original was staged in 431 BC. I’m pretty sure my version of the play is slightly different in its presentation. To me, theatre brings a sense of majesty to the intimacy and involvement that comes with a great story-telling. That’s the kind of play I hope to direct.”
Will she eventually helm a film? “I’d love to at some point in my life, as directing is the goal,” she says.
