Exclusive: Post surgery, Kiran Rao’s still keen to complete the Dream Run at Mumbai Marathon! Here's what she says

Filmmaker Kiran Rao was training hard to participate in the Mumbai Marathon this year. However, her preparations were unexpectedly interrupted when she had to undergo an appendectomy last month. But she will join thousands of Mumbaikars by walking in the marathon.

‘My appendectomy derailed my plans to run’

The Laapataa Ladies director, who was planning to participate in the Dream Run (6 km), says, “I had started training for the Dream Run to build endurance. Unfortunately, my appendectomy derailed my plans. My surgeon advised me not to exercise for a month post surgery. But I didn’t want to withdraw completely, so I decided to participate by walking instead. For me, it’s about showing up and being part of something meaningful. I plan to walk in the Dream Run, depending on how I feel on the day.”

She further adds, “The focus now is on recovery and gentle movement. I’m doing light walks, breathing exercises, and following a very cautious routine. It’s more about pacing myself, staying comfortable, and enjoying the experience rather than pushing any limits.” Kiran will participate alongside Aamir Khan and their son Azad. Ira and Junaid, along with Ira’s husband, Nupur Shikhare, will also join them.

‘There’s a lot of positive energy & excitement around the marathon’

Junaid will participate in the Open 10K category, while Aamir’s son-in-law, Nupur Shikhare, is set to run the gruelling 42K full marathon. “This has given us yet another reason to spend some time together, discuss our strategies to get fit and pretend to compete with each other. Everyone is very encouraging, and there’s a lot of positive energy, laughter, and shared excitement. All of them have been extremely supportive. They are the ones that keep reminding me that participation matters more than performance and that my health comes first,” Rao says.



‘What motivates me most is the spirit of the marathon’

Talking about why she decided to participate, she shares, “What motivates me most is the spirit of the marathon, the collective energy, the sense of purpose and the causes it supports. I also wanted to challenge myself physically and mentally. Most importantly, this time we as a family are running to support Paani Foundation, a non-profit that works in watershed management and sustainable agriculture in Maharashtra, as well as Agatsu Foundation, a non-profit for mental health.”


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