After Shah Rukh Khan, it was Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s turn to speak on the discussion of whether intolerance was growing in the country.
On Monday, the actor while speaking at the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in New Delhi said that he has been alarmed by a number of incidences. Speaking on terrorism, Khan said that it was wrong to label people as Islamic or Hindu terrorist.
Khan’s quotes:
"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.”
“When you see a person committing violence, the first mistake we make is labeling them Islamic terrorist/Hindu terrorist. This is wrong.”
"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.” (On the trend of returning awards).
Reactions started pouring in as soon as comments were reported, here are a few.
Every word that @aamir_khan said is so true. I admire him for speaking up
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 23, 2015
achcha chalo ab @aamir_khan ko bhi Pakistani jaane ko keh do? Those outspoken comments at #RNGAwards likely to have many in a twist !
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) November 23, 2015
Yes, Sri Aamir Khan aired a view. We dont agree with. Respect to him & his views. But let us politely disagree..
— Rahul Easwar (@RahulEaswar) November 23, 2015
all Hindus who enjoyed Aamir Khan movie PK, the JOKE is on you today.
— Masala Chaas (@masala_chaas) November 23, 2015
Used to despise Aamir Khan for his prudish, biased & smug attitude towards the medical profession. Turns out he is not even worth my pity.
— Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) November 23, 2015
Aamir Khan has shown today that you can't speak your mind in India, ohh sorry #Tolerant India! Proud of Aamir Khan
— Aamir's Bhakt! (@tharki_rancho) November 23, 2015
Aamir khan opens up about intolerance..hmmmmm..waiting to see who labels him as a hindustani wid a pakistani heart..or 'manufactured' move..
— khushbusundar (@khushsundar) November 23, 2015
How did @aamir_khan do 'Incredible India' ads if it was a InTolerant nation..Hypocrisy thy name is Aamir...Did you promote Intolerance?
— radha raju (@radharaju18) November 23, 2015
How dare Aamir Khan express how he and his wife feel! Their feelings are ridiculous! Don't they see how tolerant we are!!! #BlahBlahBlah
— Salman Anees Soz (@SalmanSoz) November 23, 2015
Dear Aamir Khan, before calling India intolerant, please do a reality check on your celebrity status in India. That's proof enough.
— Radhika Mundra (@radhikamundra99) November 23, 2015
Aamir Khan's wife was thinking about leaving the country because of rising intolerance but the property is too expensive in Syria and Iraq.
— Rofl Gandhi अंग्रेज (@RoflGandhi_) November 23, 2015
Now what @imbhandarkar ?? @aamir_khan says his wife is worried for their family because of present environment!Usaid theres total tolerance
— bhupendra chaubey (@bhupendrachaube) November 23, 2015
Admire @aamir_khan for spkg out on intolerance at RNG Awards. Good thing creative community shedding inhibition, joining contentious debated
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) November 23, 2015
Polls were also started
Aamir Khan made crores in India. Lives a great life as celebrity. Still bad mouths India. Is he a hypocrite?
— Kiran Kumar S (@KiranKS) November 23, 2015