Aamir Khan talks about ‘growing intolerance’

Just when the debate around the so-called ‘growing intolerance’ was subsiding, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has added more fuel to the debate. The actor also went on to say that his wife was considering moving out of the country.

Here’s what he had to say at the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards:

“As an individual, as part of this country as a citizen, we read in the papers what is happening, we see it on the news and certainly, I have been alarmed. I can’t deny. I have been alarmed by a number of incidents”

“When I chat with Kiran at home, she says ‘Should we move out of India?’ That’s a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day. That does indicate that there is this sense of growing disquiet, there is growing despondency apart from alarm. You feel why this is happening, you feel low. That sense does exist in me”

“People who are our elected representatives, people who we select to look after us for five years, state or centre… when people take law into their hands, we look upon these people to take a strong stance, to make a strong statement, speed up the legal process, when we see that happening there is a sense of security but when we don’t see that happening there is a sense of insecurity.”

“A number of creative people — historians, scientists — increasingly had a certain feeling in them, which they felt they need to express. For creative people, one of the ways of expressing their dissatisfaction or their disappointment is to return their awards. I think that’s one way of getting your point across”

“All individuals have a right to protest and they can protest in any manner that they feel is right as long as they are not taking the law into their hands.”

In response to Aamir’s comments on intolerance, actor Anupam Kher posted a few tweets on Twitter.

“Dear @aamir_khan. Did you ask Kiran which country would she like to move out to? Did you tell her that this country has made you AAMIR KHAN.”

“Dear @aamir_khan. Did you tell Kiran that you have lived through more worse times in this country & but you never thought of moving out.”

“Dear @aamir_khan. When did ‘Incredible India’ become ‘Intolerant India’ for you? Only in the last 7-8 months? #AtithiDevoBhavah”

“Dear @aamir_khan Presumed country has become #Intolerant. Wat do u suggest 2 millions of Indians? Leave India? Or wait till regime changes?”

“Dear @aamir_khan. #SatyamevaJayate u talked about evil practices but gave Hope. So even in ‘Intolerant’ times u need 2 spread Hope not Fear.”

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157 Comments

  • Dear Aamir khan, I was always proud that Aamir is among those actors who never say things which harm dignity of India. But you proved me wrong. Yes India is intolerant and I insist you to please leave this country along with your wife and children. You had made a film like PK where you guys mocked lord Shiva but it is Tolerancy of this country that your movie became all time blockbuster because we had taken the scene as a comedy. Please leave this country it will definitely better for the people like us who think India is tolerant.
    People are like talking much about so much intolerance, it is like that intolerance exist in recent times, India was tolerant that’s why Britishers ruled this country around 200 years. There is no country in this world who is more tolerant than India and Indians, I will definitely suggest you to leave this country and live in secular tolerant place.

  • When srk talked about intolerance he was called Pakistani agent. Even compared him with terrorist Hafiz saeed. I am damnn sure even worse gonna happen with Aamir sir. Some of our politicians will call him ISIS’ agent/Chinese agent..

  • Great !!!
    Proud of three Khans for their daring comments against the Intolerance in the country….
    First Salmam, Sharukh and now Aamir too…
    Don’t bother about those losers sena or others…
    India Will remain at its Unity and Pride forever..

  • I do believe everyone has the right to express what he/she feels. If we take their freedom of expressions negatively, we are showing signs of intolerance. If we are optimistic about their statements, we are tolerant.
    Anupam Kher should not have gone on to say this much. Anupham should not milked out of what Aamir had said.
    Having said that, saying India has become intolerance just because of the behaviours by some thugs and extremists, we should not generalize the term ‘intolerance.’
    A section of the Indian society might have become intolerant, but not India.

  • Did anybody notice that none of reporters or media person asked this question to Hrithik,Akshay,Ajay or Legends like Big B,Kamal Hasan or Rajnikant. Reason perhaps that they will talk sensebly and there is no controversy happen, that’s why they asking to Srk,Salman and Aamir. First because they belong to minorities, are big stars though not big likes of Big b,rajnikant etc. Third they are publicity hungry also. They are not leaving any chance to publicise them self whether in positive or negative way.
    Salman with tweet on yakub Menon.
    Aamir and Srk on Intolerance.
    I have read the statement of srk,Salman on intolerance but Aamir statements are the worst. He should not say the Kiran was asking to leave this country. Hugely disappointed.

  • Losing respect for all these actors with each passing day.

    1. If India is intolerant, then it has always been intolerant. The media is making us fall into a trap of believing that this intolerance is new. Didn’t communal riots and incidents like Dadri happen before?

    2. An actor like Aamir Khan or anyone else for that matter, should be promoting peace and happiness. Comments like “wife wants to leave country” creates more hatred and negativity. Why not say, intolerance has always been there. We need to fight it, be united, respect all religions. By doing this you are promoting happiness and positivity.

    Seriously disappointed with the comments that Aamir Khan has made. As a proud citizen of this great country and someone who had great respect for Aamir, I am deeply hurt by his statement.

  • Whoever raise their voice against intolerance are considered anti nationals and Pakistan’s agent by our ruling government.

    My question to them is great Dalai Lama, reserve bank governer Raghuram rajan, Infosys’ founder Narayanmurthi, veteran Gulzar Saab, Padma vibhushan scientist P.M Bhargav are Pakistani agents??? Have relationship with Hafiz saeed??!

    RSS thinkers and BJP leaders like Arun shorie, Ram Jethmalini etc and former supreme court chief justice Katju ji are anti nationals??? Pakistani agent???

  • ………..Having said that, saying India has become intolerance just because of the behaviours by some thugs and extremists, it is unfair and unjust. We should not generalize the term ‘intolerance.’……

  • Paresh Rawal has tweeted very funny line, While others are returning awards in order to protest, Aamir should start attending the awards functions for protest.

  • Raju Hirani / Aamir mocked Hindu gods and Godmen in PK. Aamir showed a few scenes inside the Church too. But why didn’t Aamir take the wine / alcohol bottles inside the Mosque in PK? Why was that scene cut short? Didn’t have guts? Or did you fear of a backlash from the muslim community?

    Hindus have feelings too, Aamir. Why does no one in this country care about us and our feelings?

    I never used to think like this before.. But after reading the comments that SRK made.. Salman supporting Yakub Menon.. and now from Aamir.. Having grown up watching their movies.. I am starting to feel hatred towards them.

    What has this country not given you? After all these years of love and support.. you are saying your wife no longer feels safe in India??

  • I have seen twitter reactions and heard alot of indian public are dissapointed with khans. I think khans are digging their own grave.
    Iam a muslim and not indian, but i still understand why the indian people are hurt.Same thing will happen like Srk because these so called fans will support their idols even if they hurt their families let alone their country. In other words most of them are star addict.

  • By making comments like these, it’s Aamir who is creating intolerance and spreading negativity.

    I am a muslim and I am VERY VERY HAPPY in this country. Please shut the F up and let the government develop the country for 5 years. If you’re not happy with their work after 5 years…… throw them out. Right now there is no need for such comments.

    Before media started talking about intolerance, I didn’t even know it existed.

  • Really bad on Amir’s part.
    I criticized SRK too and will criticize Amir as well.
    What is the need for a superstar to get into all such crap?
    Yeah, being an individual , you have all the rights to express yourself, but there is a difference between a “Normal” individual and Amir Khan/Shahrukh Khan.
    What these superstars say, it connects directly to the millions of their followers. So they should be very careful before making such irresponsible comment.

    And I totally stand with Anupam Sir. He has totally nailed it.
    Where does Kiran want to move?
    If India is not safe for her, then where does she find most of the tolerance ?

  • @sky:
    Did Aamir say a single word on secularism??? Didn’t he show bad things about Islam & Christianity too in pk??? Don’t you 95% cast and crew of pk were Hindus (including director Raju)???

    Why are you trying to say that only minorities of Bollywood are taking about intolerance??? Is veteran Gulzar Saab belong to any minority community??? More than 30 filmmakers have returned their national awards, only two of them are Muslim. Why are you trying to communilise it???

    People like you not even ready to listen a single word on the issues you dont agree. Immediately start calling them anti nationals, Pakistani agent and bla bla… This is the biggest symbol of intolerance…

  • @Sky 1:38 am : Completely agree with you.
    But what bothering me is, before Bihar elections, a group of “Nationalist” writers/poets/Artists were competing with each other in order to throw back their award as this country was “intolerant” for them. But what happened after Bihar elections? I didn’t hear a single voice post that? Our country became tolerant automatically ?

    @Anand 1:54 am : Agreed everyone has right of speech. but there is a difference between the statements made by you/m and made by Amir Khan. If you will speak something , no one will even bother to pay his/her attention. But if Amir speaks , it will be heard by most of the people including people from other countries. That makes the difference.

  • Dear Aamir Khan… you lost respect today from at least one hindu family of 5 people.
    You probably will lost 1000Rs in ticket sales which may not matter to you at this point of time.
    But, time is the best teacher. You will be shown your place.

    Please go to whichever place you feel secure. May god bless your family with more tolerance and security. Bye Bye

  • @tiger I am one of his biggest fan and I know how much I hurt from this statement, I don’t know if Kiran had said that him to leave India, bit is it needed to said in public platform, Instead of bringing prosperity or to say your feeling in a well balanced manner, what the likes of Srk & Aamir want to say. Many Hindus also talking about intolerance but they are not that popular faces whose voices are connected a vast people, but a popular star’s does. Regarding ‘leaving the country’ term, there were nothing much controversial in Aamir statement but the damage is already done with the sentence itself.

  • @Tiger 1:42 am : Because Anupam is a true nationalist and he can’t bear if someone calls his country “intolerant” . Differences are everywhere. In UK/US, its about black and White.
    In Pakistan, its about Shiya and Sunni Muslims.
    Likewise, we too have few differences. But no one has rights to question the entire country for the same.
    Extremists like Azam Khan, Owaisi, Sadwi Prachi and Adityanath will continue their drama to strengthen their vote bank but why you are getting trapped ?

  • Correction Salman Khan did not make a statement to do with intolerance in the country. Only Aamir and SRK are the two Khans who did. So why are you haters dragging Salman’s name in this controversy. Is it that you like his name so much that it’s forever on your tongues. His comments were on the Yakoub situation.

  • Union ministers & MPs are comparing Dalits with Dogs, isn’t it intolerance???

    Most of BJP leaders and union ministers are justfying the killing of Kulbargi, Davolkar and Akhlakh. Isn’t it intolerance???

    Most of the BJP leaders, chief ministers even governors are saying that Muslim must leave India and go to Pakistan. Isn’t it intolerance???

    All the scientist, artists, historians, journalists, poets who raise their voice against intolerance are taged desdrohi & pakistani agents. Isn’t it intolerance???

    Most recently they have said SRK is a Deshdrohi & Pakistani agent. Even compared him with terrorist Hafiz saeed. Isn’t it intolerance???

    Today Home ministry published a report saying more than 300 communial clashed happened in last three months. Isn’t it a symbol of intolerance???

  • What People need to understand is no country is perfect, YSA which is concidered to be the most democratic is having problems of whites and black people.Aamir and srk should respect their country because india Made them. They
    are superstars their job is to act not indulge in politics.What anupam sir said is the truth. khans need to stop doing anything for publicity.Has Srk or ever filled threatend to act the way they are acting. I live in kenya and the perception is indian is growing country. Alot of people go to india for treatment which considered better than anywhere else in the world, even my cousin and aunt went there and were constantly talking about the good hospitality they recieved.

  • The basic problems with almost all the countries in the world is that the people put too much emphasis on political parties and their representatives to solve the problems within the nation. But we seem to lose sight of the fact that they are not perfect human beings and have only limited knowledge of how to create change and of course some ideas will pass but some will not. No man can solve problems only God can and we all need world wide to seek His face and His wisdom if not we will always be going around in circles looking for government to resolve our issues. They can’t.
    In our little island we have two parties who argue their differences in the house and if we don’t like what they are doing we vote them out very peacefully. Our elections in the island in spite of who we support has never had violence attached. Because we believe that God controls all things. Just today a representative was expelled from the party for disrespect to what our constitution stands for. We cannot allow political parties and extremists to destroy our country no matter what. If the people would humble themselves and pray, believing in your God He will give you the answers. Love conquers hate destroys. God bless.

  • Amir sir, we have seen you :

    1. Participating into voting awareness programs and making people aware about the importance of voting.
    2. Doing shows like Satyamev Jayte for the betterment of society.
    3. As a face of “Incredible India” program.

    Then why such a harsh statement all of sudden?
    Now how are you going promote Incredible India?
    “Come on your own risk to our intolerant country”

    ?

  • @sky:
    Agreed they should be careful with their words. I don’t want them to get criticise from 2rs publicity hunger politicians.

    But you can’t blame their religion as both Aamir and srk married Hindu women. Salman’s mother is Hindu and stepmother is Christian. All the three Khans are neither Owasi nor Azam khan to show their love for Muslims.

    @xzone:
    Plz don’t compare India with Pakistan, (the home of Taliban, Laden, Hafiz saeed etc).

  • @Sky, even though I am aamir fan, I don’t support him blindly. and here too, I am not supporting him blindly. I also feel the same against his statement and I think India is indeed tolerant, but after all the opinion is opinion. I can not take such words like leaving the country, but overhyping the opinion is too much. I think you are going too much overboard by making such statement. same goes to Anupam Kher, as how can one go to such excessiveness against some one’s opinion? I am not blind fan or hater, but as a citizen, I do believe in freedom of speech and opinion.

  • I dont understand Why Some idiots are targeting AAMIR even without knowing the Facts.
    Honestly I dont think AAMIR said anything bad for Country HE was telling the conversation between Aamir & KIRAN
    Even He didnt agree with that statement & said
    “That’s a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make”
    I can understand Aamir Khan’s concern on intolerance, but again,
    I would Say INDIAN media is making Fool of INDIAN SUPERSTARS & These Superstars get Trapped IN NET every time.
    & Look who is bashing AAMIR Anupam KHER ,This so called INTELLECTUAL thinks He is the PM of India when MODIJI visits Abroad.
    He could CALL to AAMIR,He could Express his opinion on Call But this Man needs publicity every time.
    I am Hindu But I dont understand Whats going on in this COUNTRY.
    Recently Kamal Hasan Said I will leave India if my rights are disturbed no one bashed him Bcoz HE is HINDU
    But now Eveyone is bashing Aamir bcoz He is muslim.
    I am sure if AKKI or AJAY would have said this no one would be INTERESRED.
    Nothing new this time ..
    When AAMIR made
    “”Sarfarosh,LAGAAN,RDB” .. No one called it ANTI – MUSLIM !
    But when he made ‘PK’ .. it became ANTI – HINDU.
    & TODAY No one gives a shit when Aamir Khan spoke against ISIS BUT they are bashing him coz of INTOLERANCE issue.

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