Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 17: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, often hailed as the ‘perfectionist’ of Indian cinema, has finally addressed the recent criticism questioning his patriotism. The remarks surfaced after his delayed response to the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22), with some accusing him of remaining silent until just 12 hours before the trailer release of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par.
Appearing on Rajat Sharma’s show, Aap Ki Adalat, Aamir set the record straight, citing his 1999 blockbuster Sarfarosh as proof of his longstanding commitment to the nation.
During the interview, Aamir boldly stated, “My film Sarfarosh was the first in Indian history to take Pakistan and ISI's names directly, without using euphemisms like padosi mulk (neighbouring country).”
Recounting the film’s sensitive subject matter, Aamir revealed how director John Mathew Matthan initially feared the Censor Board might object. “I said, why won’t they allow it? If leaders like Advani ji can name Pakistan in Parliament for spreading terrorism, why can’t we in cinema?” he questioned.
Aamir emphasized that following Sarfarosh, many Indian films openly named Pakistan in their plots. “People say I don’t speak against Pakistan, but the fact remains I was the first to take their name head-on. I even received backlash from Pakistan for that portrayal,” he added.
Aamir also responded to accusations that his statement was timed to the Sitaare Zameen Par trailer release. “The trailer was supposed to release earlier, but I postponed it out of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Even the re-release premiere of Andaz Apna Apna was cancelled that day,” he clarified.
The actor, while addressing concerns around Islamic radicalism, made a clear distinction between faith and violence. “No religion promotes killing. Islam doesn’t support harming innocents, women or children. Those who commit these crimes are not true followers of Islam,” he asserted.
Facing scrutiny for his silence on national tragedies, Aamir Khan used the platform to highlight his track record of nationalism through cinema. Asserting that Sarfarosh broke new ground by directly naming Pakistan and ISI, Aamir urged critics to judge his patriotism by his actions, not timing.
With Sitaare Zameen Par set for release, the actor has made it clear—he won’t let misconceptions cloud his love for the country.