Culture & Lifestyle / Bollywood Actor Aamir Khan Adds More Controversy To The Hot Debate On Intolerance

Bollywood Actor Aamir Khan Adds More Controversy To The Hot Debate On Intolerance

Culture & Lifestyle Nov 25, 2015

by Sonia Malik

The momentum of protests against intolerance in India has picked up lately, followed by a torrential response from actors, journalists, writers and politicians. Aamir Khan's comments are the latest tempestuous addition to this sensitive subject, stirring up a cacophony of responses on social media.

We take a closer look at the biting details and big picture from both sides of this unfolding debate.

What Caused This Debate?

Criticism and soft demonstrations against violent Hindu nationalism have been happening since Prime Minister Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took office in 2014. However, two incidents of intolerance this year gave way to a stronger cohesive wave of protest.

In the first case, an angry mob near Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, lynched a man they believed had consumed beef. (Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism.) In the second incident, academic Malleshapa Kalburgi, a critic of idol worship, was shot dead.

The result of these tragic deaths evoked strong sentiment from India's community of artists, who began to return national awards as a symbol of protest. Even though senior officials from BJP dismissed these protests, saying they were politically motivated and not justifiable, the movement didn't lose force.

^{Scholar Malleshapa Kalburgi}
^{Photo Credit: www.mmc-news.com}

Artists Returning Awards

Over 40 writers, poets and scientists returned their awards — including Dalip Kaur Tiwana, Nayantara Sahgal and Uday Prakash. Writer Arundhati Roy describes the act as one with no "historic parallel." The international community's focus has shifted towards the issue as well, with eminent author Salman Rushdie remarking, "What has crept into Indian life now is a degree of thuggish violence."

But others, like writer Taslima Nasrin, pointed out the double standards in this outrage. In a tweet, she says, "Why only selective protests??Why has there been silence so long??whether Godhra-kashmir delhi mumbai bomblasts all should've been protested [sic]."

^{Writers Returning Awards}
^{Photo Credit: www.indianexpress.com}

Bollywood Celebrities Weigh In

Filmmakers, including Dibakar Banerjee and Anand Patwardhan, returned their awards in solidarity with the writers. The group claimed in a joint statement, "There seems to be no attempt to unravel the larger picture and bring to book extremist groups that believe in ruthless violence to eliminate those who hold a counter view from theirs."

Various famous Bollywood figures have shared their two cents on this topical social issue.

Many people don't accept that there's a connection between the awards and the government. For instance, actor Vidya Balan stated candidly, "This honour (the award) is by the nation and not the government." Likewise, actor Kamal Hassan noted, "Returning awards is futile. It does not help anything. You will just insult the government and those who gave awards to you with love." Legendary athlete Milkha Singh spoke on a similar note, claiming, "If you have to express your views on something, returning awards is definitely not the answer."

^{L–R: Bollywood actors Vidya Balan and Kamal Hasan}
^{Photo Credits L–R: www.thehindu.com and www.india-forums.com}

When the king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, cited "religious intolerance" and spoke in favour returning awards in an interview, he provoked an unexpected reaction from social and political figures. Sadhvi Prachi of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, retorted by calling Shah Rukh a "Pakistani agent." Further, Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed invited Shah Rukh to stay in Pakistan on account of the discrimination he was facing in India. Film fraternity members came to the superstar's defence in light of the controversy. Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar supported him, syaing, "It is silly that Shah Rukh Khan has to prove his credentials. He is a great loyalist to this country." Shah Rukh clarified that his comments were misconstrued.

^{Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan

Photo Credit: www.dnaindia.com}

Most recently, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, who had been under fire after his film PK criticised organized religion, has had the spotlight on him again. This time, he triggered a backlash by sharing his wife, Kiran Rao's, thoughts on leaving India in the wake of growing intolerance. Actor Paresh Rawal noted on Twitter, "Intolerance! PK did rattle the belief of Hindus but Aamir dint face the wrath of Hindu or THE MAJORITY n but was super hit n made crores [sic]!" Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt sides with Aamir on the debate, though, supporting the right to freedom of expression and standing against the country's intolerance.

^{Bollywood Actor Aamir Khan with wife Kiran Rao}
^{Photo Credit: www.suhaag.com}

Anupam Kher is one of the main voices of the counter-debate. He disapproved of Aamir's statement. He has also stated, "I agree there are instances that make us feel insecure but instead of abandoning and starting the blame game, we should reflect upon the causes and learn how to fix it. India is known to be a land of love and benevolence that and I am proud of it." Actress Raveena Tandon takes a similar stance, hinging on the idea of relativity: "You can't call the whole nation intolerant for a few unfortunate incident. Tell me one year when unfortunate incidents like Dadri, Kalburgi and others have not happened."

^{Bollywood Actor Anupam Kher

Photo Credit: www.deccanchronicle.com}

Actors like Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan have been less inclined to participate in this matter, which composer A.R. Rahman rightfully describes as turning "chaotic." Rishi Kapoor, known for his jolly nature, continued to comment in the same spirit, "Yaaron! Please samjhao what is this tolerance and intolerance! Right now I cannot tolerate anbody talking about it [sic]." The naysayers might want to take a leaf from their books while they continue to share their insights on this ongoing debate. There's no doubt that a vibrant debate speaks of a nation with a solid pulse!

Human rights, nationalism, political motivations and other pertinent factors are at play in this crucial debate. Which side do you support and why? Share your comments below.

^{Main Image Photo Credit: www.gdnonline.com}

Sonia Malik

Author

Sonia writes on current affairs and pop culture. An English graduate from the University of Toronto, she identifies as a global citizen, feminist and nature lover. She will be ready to shake a leg to a peppy Bollywood beat any day.

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Bollywood Actor Aamir Khan Adds More Controversy To The Hot Debate On Intolerance

by Sonia Malik

The momentum of protests against intolerance in India has picked up lately, followed by a torrential response from actors, journalists, writers and politicians. Aamir Khan's comments are the latest tempestuous addition to this sensitive subject, stirring up a cacophony of responses on social media.

Sonia Malik

COMMENTS

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