Aamir Khan’s Selective Tolerance
- In Politics
- 02:46 PM, Nov 27, 2015
- Ramaharitha Pusarla
The sanctimonious debate of intolerance once again received a shot in the arm when Aamir Khan raised alarm and said that his wife is now scared to live in this country and worried about future of their son. Just like the intolerance remarks of Shahrukh Khan, this Khan too received great attention in the print and visual media. It is distressing to know that most celebrated icons of Bollywood could grade the entire country intolerant with one sweeping brush forgetting that these very people have showered their unwavering love and affection to them at every stage of their career. The personal coffers of all these superstars would have been empty had it not been for the patronage of the country which still happens to be Hindu-majority but has never paused to ask what religion their beloved super stars belong to. Indian audience are in awe of the incredible acting skills of Aamir Khan, who in various roles has impressed them. Be it Sarfarosh, Lagaan, Ghajini, Taare Zameen Par or PK. Despite the denigrating and hurtful assault on the rituals of the Hindus in the PK movie, Aamir Khan could get away without any censure (and in fact minted millions) precisely because of the tolerance of Indian people. Lest he envisages making a film like PK on any other religion Aamir could have had the real taste of tolerance of people living elsewhere. It is a whimsical paradigm when the contentious media back Aamir and Shahrukh without asking them when exactly have they felt threatened?
For many reasons the statement made by Aamir Khan captured the attention and imagination of people from various walks of life. Firstly, the myriad hues acquired can partly be attributed to the nationalistic appeal of his roles in Sarfarosh, Rang de Basanti and Laagan which are cherished by Indian audience. Besides, he was and continues to be the brand ambassador of Incredible India and Swacch Bharat (he was chosen for the task despite his public allegations against Modi). Secondly for not firing shots directly or avoid being straight-forward, many believed that Aamir is making the statements on intolerance using his wife’s name. While calling the statement “should we move out of India?” made by his wife as disastrous, he didn’t condemn and in fact alluded that similar fear existed in him. Interestingly Aamir donned a role of benevolent messiah through his debut role in Satyamev Jayate, a popular social show which made him popular among masses. People believed that he had a broader grass root level connect and hence Indian public resented his remarks which were far from reality.
The Bollywood fraternity which is now a fractured lot thanks to the deafening voices of overpowering condemnations and retributions towards the intolerance debates two major factions have surfaced. While a faction of Bollywood extended unflinching support to the opinions voiced by Aamir another faction advised him to instil hope in society. In sharp contrast the instance has drawn severe public flak which is mirrored clearly in the public opinion survey conducted by Times of India wherein whopping 88% believed that India is tolerant. Unlike the initial remarks made by artistes, intellectuals, scientists and writers who damned India’s rising intolerance, the statement made by Aamir was immediately condemned by several people. Perhaps, this too indicates a change in people’s mood which now had reached a break-even point wherein no more recriminatory adages about India might be tolerated.
In the wake of eruption of brutal terrorist attacks globally Indians and perhaps world at large is beginning to wonder how a country as diverse and large as India is relatively peaceful. Of late Indic values are held in high esteem for fostering an inclusiveness in society. If not for the accommodating nature of Indian society despite being burdened by burgeoning population it has been sheltering millions of refugees from other South Asian countries. It is startling as how the emperors of Bollywood after making sweeping statements on the basic identity of the country expect to walk away without drawing the ire of irate audience. While as a celebrity he/she has every right to voice their public opinions they too must be prepared to welcome the dissenting opinions of people instead of branding society as “intolerant”. All these icons of intellect and creativity who command people’s loyalty and love must at least do something for social good. These “chosen few” who have resources, finances and connect with people should stop shying away from problems and start working out solutions to weed out the ills of society.
On a different note, celebrities are accorded a special importance and are looked upon by the society as role models. Sweeping, outlandish statements on pretext of venting out personal prejudices must be questioned. Ordinary folks and hordes of fans who blindly follow these celebrities are gravely misled by the contorted views opined by these people. The status of a celebrity comes with a responsibility .It would be prudent that people who are showered with unconditional love must refrain from making immature statements and engage in constructive criticism. Open-ended statements will have serious implications and consequences.
How could Aamir Khan, besides making a mark of his own on the big screen, and then cajoling people to think about social issues through Satyamev Jayate failed to alert audience about the atrocities that have existed since time immemorial? It is intriguing as how Aamir who would become teary-eyed at the instance of female feticide, police atrocities etc., in his show refrained from calling the entire country intolerant during his show? Why did he oblige to be the Brand Ambassador of Incredible India when he is unsure about the tolerance of very country he intends to promote? Does this indicate the lure of money is more tantalizing?
Aamir Khan is widely respected in film circles for his brilliant logical thinking. What stops him from teaming up with his wife, aggrieved Kiran Rao, a short film maker, to come up with logical documentaries that can stem the rising tide of intolerance envisaged by them? During the making of Satyamev Jayate, Aamir had illustrated that several man-hours were expended in bring out the ills afflicting the society to fore. With his previous experience why can’t he address the issue of intolerance in Indian society? Do only big bucks and crucial tie-ups with corporates alone propel these star actors into action and stir their (articulated) conscience?
Bollywood icons who vociferously seek parity with the Hollywood stars, should now emulate the sense of social responsibility of their peers in western lands before pointing fingers at the Indian society at large. Till now they reveled in the unstinted love and patronage of masses and amassed wealth it is time to give back something in return.
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