Concept of marriage has changed for better: Aamir Khan

Mumbai: Actor Aamir Khan feels that the institution of marriage in India has changed manifold and urges parents to ensure that their children are well-equipped to take decisions about their life partner independently.

"There is constant change in society and the concept of marriage has changed for the better; marriage is now looked upon as companionship," Aamir said. "Although this concept is good, we should empower our kids with right tools to be able to make their own decisions and think on a broader level. "Marriage should not bring along fear with it. We should provide ample support to our kids and teach them to live happily," he added. Aamir was here to chat with listeners and talk about his show ’Satyamev Jayate’. The 44-year-old, who made his television debut with ‘Satyamev Jayate’, feels the show has brought him closer to the people of the country and says every citizen should work to make the country a better place to live. "The effect `Satyamev Jayate` has taken all over the country proves the fact that we are addressing genuine issues that are prevalent in India. I have on a personal level come closer through this initiative to our country. "For any country to be happy, we need to join hands to work towards the common goal... We should all work together for the betterment of the country," he said. He also talked about the response that his show has received till now and says a change has already been brought in the society. "We have crossed the halfway mark and have received positive response throughout the country. The healthcare episode has helped improve generic medicines, the health minister is also supporting us and so is the government," he said. Sharing an incident about the bias against the girl child, he said that "at a Delhi wedding, a family member said a guest blessed the bride that she will give birth to boys at which point the other members present stated that a girl child is equally welcome and such gender bias should not exist. I was reading in the newspaper that the people are now going to the police, child helpline - so change is evident (against the bias) and I really believe in India and our people." The success of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ has proved naysayers wrong. "People told me that a show on social issues would be a failure, but now people from (Jamme and) Kashmir to Kanyakumari are associated with the show and want to see change in our society. We should use this opportunity to plan and contribute the most. The required change should be brought about inside," Aamir said. IANS