Bollywood actor Aamir Khan's remarks on intolerance has sparked a row with many criticising him for hurting the sentiments of the people while some backing him asking the government to act on it.
Aamir Khan backed filmstar Shah Rukh Khan and has now joined the chorus of artists and writers protesting rising intolerance in the country. The actor has said there is a sense of insecurity in the country and that his wife has even suggested leaving India, fearing for the safety of their child.The Bharatiya Janata Party lashed out at Aamir Khan and said his statement hurt the sentiments of the people of India.
"Aamir Khan is the face of 'Incredible India', how can he make such a remark? I request Aamir Khan not to leave India and he won't find another nation like it," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.
Backing Patra, his party colleague and MP Manoj Tiwari said, "It is unfortunate that Aamir Khan says intolerance is on the rise in India. What has India not given to Aamir Khan?"
Telling Aamir Khan that India has made him what he is, veteran actor Anupam Kher responded to Aamir Khan's remarks through Twitter and advised him to spread hope and not fear."Dear Aamir Khan, Did you ask Kiran which country she would like to move out to? Did you tell her that this country has made you Aamir Khan. Dear Aamir Khan, In 'Satyameva Jayate' you talked about evil practices but gave hope. So even in intolerant times, you need to spread hope and not fear. You presumed that the country became intolerant. What do you suggest to millions of Indians? Leave India? Or wait till regime changes?"The Congress was quick to back Aamir Khan with party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi saying, "What Aamir Khan said in the presence of senior BJP leaders is what millions in country feel."
Attacking the government, CPI-M leader Brinda Karat opined that action should be taken in this regard. "Aamir Khan's statement is of concern and the government should take note of it and act. Unless the government acts rather than dismissing the voices,"
Actor Raza Murad also backed Aamir Khan and said, "Aamir Khan is a respected personality. It is his right to speak. Now if Aamir Khan is saying this then just imagine what the common man is feeling? Instead of finding a solution to this case of intolerance, people are up in arms asking why shuch comments are being made."
Aamir Khan, who was speaking at the Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism, has also endorsed the move by writers and artists to return their awards to register protest against growing intolerance in the country.
"I would endorse any non-violent protest and all individuals have the right to protest and what they feel is right. And this is certainly a way to protest for creative people. Growing discomfort led to such protest. Due to the disappointment they had protested. There is a sense of insecurity in india. My wife has even suggested leaving India, fearing for her child. We shouldn't link religion to terrorism. Terrorists should be called terrorists, why tag a religion? Anyone who kills innocent people is not a Muslim."
Earlier, actor Shah Rukh Khan came under fire for his remarks on intolerance and BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya called him 'anti-national'. "Shah Rukh lives in India, but his soul is in Pakistan. His films make crores here but he thinks India to be intolerant," he had tweeted.
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