It is important to watch Aamir Khan’s complete interview and understand his remarks in context. To quote him, “a person who is holding a Koran and killing people thinks he is doing an Islamic act, but as a Muslim I don’t feel so. He is a terrorist and we should recognise him as a terrorist. My problem is not just with the ISIS, but it is with that kind of thinking ... this extreme thinking is what I worry about.” It is a profound statement. From U.S. President Barack Obama to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, no one can object to this. Why then did the media project it in a way that fanned passions? It is the media which kicks up a row in the name of national debates, making panelists comment instantly on matters that they have not thought much about, putting words in their mouth and making even innocuous statements look sensational. Aamir Khan has made us aware of issues gnawing at the vitals of our nation through “Satyameva Jayate”. He is much more than a good actor, he is a socially conscious commentator. Did he deserve such a backlash?
Malhari Shankar,Chennai
In a democratic and secular India, we have a few undemocratic and anti-secular elements. We the people need to realise our strengths and come forward to react against these elements (“Aamir Khan’s right to speak,” Nov.26). Recent comments by some members of the ruling party against Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan are condemnable. It is a serious concern that Aamir and Shah Rukh, whose commitment to the nation is beyond doubt, have to prove their secular credentials. Evidence for intolerance can be seen in the return of awards by eminent personalities. There have been implicit curbs on freedom of expression. Silence on the part of the common man on these issues reflects either ignorance on his part or passivity. This itself is a big concern in a democratic set-up.
Tariq Ahmad Lone,Delhi
As much as Aamir Khan has a right to speak, his fellow citizens too have a right to critique his views. Even a “fleeting” thought of leaving the country under a “perceived” lack of security and justice speaks very poorly of the actor’s thought process. A rudimentary principle for any public figure should be to strongly stand against adversity, not to flee it. Sections of the intelligentsia, artists and media have never reconciled themselves with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially Narendra Modi, coming to power and are cleverly manipulating some isolated incidents. It would have been a better course of action for Aamir Khan and fellow public figures to question and agitate why the State governments in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are not taking action against culprits involved in incidents like Dadri and the murder of M.M. Kalburgi.
Srikanti Subrahmanyam,Hyderabad
Your editorial on Aamir Khan’s right to speak only lends credence to the actor’s remarks about our country becoming intolerant. India is the most tolerant country. There is no threat to freedom of expression here. Aamir’s remarks appear as mere rhetoric. None of the authors/scientists/artistes had raised the issue of intolerance when scores of Sikhs were massacred in 1984. Such issues should not be allowed to tarnish India’s image, at a time our Prime Minister is making earnest efforts to persuade foreign investors to bring money and employment.
T.S.C. Bose,Hyderabad
