Aamir Khan Addresses Criticism on Patriotism: “My Film Speaks for Itself”

Aamir Khan has recently come under fire for his delayed response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred nearly a week prior to the launch of his film trailer for Sitaare Zameen Par. In an interview on the show Aap Ki Adalat, Khan defended his stance on patriotism, referencing his 1999 film Sarfarosh as a groundbreaking work that openly named Pakistan and the ISI, challenging the norms of Indian cinema at the time.

Aamir Khan Addresses Criticism

The actor faced significant backlash for remaining silent after the Pahalgam attack, with many questioning his commitment to patriotism. During his appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, hosted by Rajat Sharma, Khan took the opportunity to clarify his position. He highlighted that *Sarfarosh* was the first Indian film to directly mention Pakistan and the ISI, a bold move that was not common in the industry. Khan stated, “If you pick India’s film history, we have never been allowed to take their name; we had to use the term ‘padosi mulk’ (neighboring country). My film *Sarfarosh* was the first one ever in history, in which we have taken Pakistan and ISI’s names without hesitation.” He emphasized that this film set a precedent for future filmmakers to address such topics more openly.

Khan recalled the challenges he faced with the Censor Board regarding the film’s content. He mentioned that the director, John Mathew Matthan, was concerned about the board’s approval. However, Khan was determined to push the boundaries, arguing that if political leaders could openly criticize Pakistan in Parliament, filmmakers should have the same freedom in their art.

Impact of *Sarfarosh* on Indian Cinema

Khan’s remarks about *Sarfarosh* underscore its significance in Indian cinema. The film not only broke barriers by naming Pakistan directly but also influenced subsequent films to follow suit. Khan noted that after the release of *Sarfarosh*, many filmmakers began to include direct references to Pakistan in their narratives. He expressed that while he received negative feedback from Pakistan for his portrayal, he felt it was necessary to address the issue of terrorism openly. “After *Sarfarosh*, I got many negative comments from Pakistan for attacking them in the film,” he added, reinforcing his belief in the importance of addressing such topics in cinema.

The actor’s comments have reignited discussions about the portrayal of sensitive political issues in Indian films. His defense of *Sarfarosh* serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where filmmakers are increasingly willing to tackle contentious subjects head-on.

Clarification on Trailer Release Timing

In the same interview, Aamir Khan clarified that the timing of the *Sitaare Zameen Par* trailer release was coincidental and not intended to overshadow the recent tragedy. He explained that the trailer was initially scheduled for an earlier date but was postponed due to the attack. “I cancelled it because of the attack on our nation,” he stated, referring to his decision to delay the premiere of his earlier film, *Andaz Apna Apna*, on the same day.

Khan’s upcoming film, *Sitaare Zameen Par*, is a sports comedy-drama and a spiritual sequel to his acclaimed 2007 film *Taare Zameen Par*. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film features Genelia D’Souza and ten debutant actors, focusing on a basketball coach who trains a team of differently-abled children. The film is set to hit theaters on June 20, further adding to Khan’s diverse filmography.

Aamir Khan’s Views on Religion and Violence

During the interview, Aamir Khan also addressed misconceptions about Islam and violence. He emphasized that true Islamic teachings do not condone violence against innocent people. “No religion asks you to kill people. I don’t consider these terrorists Muslims because it’s written in Islam that you can’t kill any innocent human, can’t strike a woman or a child,” he stated. This assertion reflects Khan’s commitment to promoting a more nuanced understanding of religion in the context of contemporary issues.

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