Kiran Rao

Kiran Rao (born 7 November 1973) is an Indian film producer, screenwriter, and director known for her contribution to Hindi cinema through socially grounded and artistically driven films. She is the founder of Kindling Productions and the co-founder of the Paani Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on water conservation and drought relief in Maharashtra.

Kiran Rao
Full name	Kiran Rao Khan
Born	7 November 1973 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Nationality	Indian
Profession	Film producer, director, screenwriter
Years active	2001–present
Education	Sophia College for Women (Economics) Jamia Millia Islamia (Mass Communication)
Notable works	Dhobi Ghat, Dangal, Secret Superstar
Spouse	Aamir Khan (m. 2005; div. 2021)
Children	Azad Rao Khan
Net worth	Approx. US$40 million

Early Life and Education

Kiran Rao was born into a Telugu-speaking Hindu family in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Her father, C. R. Rao, was a retired Indian Army officer, and her mother, Uma Rao, managed the household. She spent much of her childhood in Kolkata, where she attended Loreto House and La Martinière for Girls.

In 1992, Rao moved to Mumbai for higher studies and completed a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Sophia College for Women in 1995. She later pursued a master’s degree in Mass Communication from the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Her academic background laid the foundation for her career in media and filmmaking.

Career

Early Career

Kiran Rao began her film career as an assistant director on the Academy Award–nominated film Lagaan (2001), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. She later assisted on Swades and worked with director Mira Nair on Monsoon Wedding. She also appeared briefly in a supporting role in Dil Chahta Hai.

Direction and Production

Rao made her directorial debut with Dhobi Ghat (2011), a film noted for its experimental narrative and portrayal of urban life in Mumbai. The film received critical acclaim and was screened at several international film festivals.

As a producer, she has been associated with several commercially and critically successful films, including Peepli Live (2010), Delhi Belly (2011), Talaash (2012), Dangal (2016), and Secret Superstar (2017). Dangal became one of the highest-grossing Indian films worldwide.

Film Festival and Other Work

In 2015, Rao was appointed chairperson of the Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI), where she focused on promoting independent cinema and emerging filmmakers. She has also lent her voice to social initiatives, including singing the Marathi song “Toofan Aala” for the Satyamev Jayate Water Cup anthem.

Social Work

In 2016, Kiran Rao co-founded the Paani Foundation along with Aamir Khan. The organisation works to address drought conditions in Maharashtra through watershed development, community mobilisation, and sustainable water management practices. The initiative has received widespread recognition for its grassroots impact.

Personal Life

Kiran Rao married actor Aamir Khan in December 2005. The couple had a son, Azad Rao Khan, born via surrogacy in December 2011. In July 2021, Rao and Khan announced their separation, stating they would continue to co-parent their child and collaborate professionally.

She is the first cousin of actress Aditi Rao Hydari. Their paternal grandfather, J. Rameshwar Rao, was the Raja of Wanaparthy, a princely estate under the former Nizam of Hyderabad.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Kiran Rao’s estimated net worth is approximately US$40 million, derived from film production, direction, and associated ventures.

Interesting Facts

• She follows a vegetarian lifestyle.
• She is an atheist.
• She has been involved in both mainstream and independent cinema.
• She is one of the few Indian women filmmakers to successfully balance commercial success with socially driven storytelling.

Legacy

Kiran Rao is regarded as a significant voice in contemporary Indian cinema, known for championing meaningful narratives and social causes. Her work in filmmaking and philanthropy has contributed to shaping modern discourse around cinema, sustainability, and cultural responsibility in India.