Ira Khan; Avoids Speaking Out on Student Protests

In a recent Instagram video, Ira Khan, daughter of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, addressed the controversy surrounding her silence on the student protests that erupted at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The protests, which have drawn the attention of many film personalities such as Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha and Kareena Kapoor, have sparked a wave of social media commentary from the industry. Despite the widespread outcry, Ira chose to remain quiet until Thursday, when she finally spoke out.

During the clip, Ira explained that her decision not to comment earlier was not a sign of indifference. She said she felt she had nothing new to add to the conversation and that she had deliberately avoided the news and social media to protect her emotional wellbeing. “I don’t look at the news or social media, so I haven’t had feelings about this,” she told viewers. She added that she was overwhelmed by the violence and the sense of helplessness that accompanied the protests, and that she had chosen to focus on how an individual can navigate the situation within their own capacity.

She also revealed that a reel she received, which featured her cousin who was allegedly detained at a protest, caused her to panic. Once she confirmed her cousin’s safety, she returned to work and refrained from speaking out, believing that her voice would not make a difference. “If my not speaking up implied that I don’t care, I am sorry that was not my intention,” she said.

In her caption, Ira acknowledged that the protests are largely about exam schedules and the need for open dialogue. She noted that the ability to step away from the situation is a privilege and that she is still figuring out how best to align her actions with her values. The video comes after several high‑profile actors used their platforms to show solidarity with the students.

While the protests continue, Ira Khan’s candid admission highlights the personal toll such events can take on public figures and underscores the complexity of choosing whether or not to speak out in a highly charged political climate.