‘Romantic films were not allowed’: Aamir Khan reveals the ‘strict’ childhood rules that shaped his life, and why he still barely watches movies today; expert weighs in

What stands out is how these early boundaries may have shaped not just habits, but also comfort levels and preferences over time. He further explained, “I got into filmmaking at the age of 18. I started working as an assistant. I don’t want to sound patronising, but just as a joke, I’d like to say that some people play football and others watch it. That’s a good way to put it. I make films, I barely watch them. That’s the truth of the answer. I barely watch films. So, I don’t watch the latest movies. I have no idea what’s happening in Hollywood. I’m in my own world, I don’t really watch stuff.”

Impact on a person’s long-term preferences for entertainment, leisure, or creative expression

Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “Growing up in a restrictive environment often leads to what psychologists call internalised norms, beliefs and preferences shaped by early authority figures. When certain forms of entertainment are limited or discouraged, the child may either adopt those restrictions as their own preferences or develop a muted curiosity toward them.” 

Actor Aamir Khan on his childhood (Source: Express Photo by Dilip Kagda)

Over time, she notes that this can influence leisure choices, leading individuals to gravitate toward what feels “acceptable” or familiar. “Additionally, limited exposure during formative years can reduce sensory and emotional association with certain media, making them less engaging in adulthood. In some cases, this also fosters a stronger inclination toward solitary or cognitively engaging activities like reading, which may have been more accessible or encouraged.”

Can growing up with limitations around content influence emotional comfort or openness toward those themes later in life?

“Yes, early restrictions can influence emotional comfort later in life through a process known as emotional conditioning,” states Gurnani, adding that if romantic content was framed as inappropriate or discouraged, the individual may subconsciously associate it with discomfort, awkwardness, or even mild guilt. This doesn’t necessarily mean avoidance, but it can create a level of detachment or reduced emotional resonance with such themes. 

“Eventually, this may affect how easily a person engages with or expresses emotions related to intimacy and romance. However, these patterns are not fixed and can evolve with new experiences, relationships, and conscious exposure,” concludes Gurnani.