Aamir Khan answers those questioning his patriotism: ‘My film Sarfarosh was the first to take Pakistan's name, suffered losses but…'
India and Pakistan's recent conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack has caused a storm in the Hindi film industry. Many people blamed the Khan trio – Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan for not speaking up against Pakistan publicly in the aftermath of the attack. No, in a recent interview, Aamir defended himself after the accusations, revealing that his 1999 release Sarfarosh was the first ever film in the history of Indian films, to refer to the country as Pakistan instead of 'padosi mulk'. The actor also revealed that he even took a stand for the country and didn't allow Dangal's release in Pakistan despite possible losses, because their censor board demanded the removal of the Indian flag and national anthem.
During a chat with Rajat Sharma on his show Aap Ki Adalat, Aamir cited former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani's example and said, 'If you pick India's film history, we have never been allowed to take their name, we had to use the term 'padosi mulk'. My film Sarfarosh was the first one ever in history, in which we have taken Pakistan and ISI's names without hesitation. John said that the Censor Board won't pass this. I said, 'Why won't they? We will explain it to them'. When Advani ji can call their name in the Parliament publicly that they are doing wrong by us and spreading terrorism, then why can't we?'
The film's team finally received the permission to take Pakistan's name. 'We got permission to use the names on that basis. So many films released after that were using Pakistan's name. People say that I don't say anything against them, but sabse bada naam toh unka maine hi liya hai, aur kisi ne nahi. After Sarfarosh, I got many negative comments from Pakistan for attacking them in the film,' he added.
Moreover, Aamir Khan lost money for not allowing his 2016 film Dangal's release at the theatres in Pakistan. 'When Dangal released, Disney was one of the producers. When they presented it, they got a reaction from Pakistan's censor board to remove the last scene – where they hoist the tricolour and sing the national anthem after Geeta Phogat's victory in the match. I told them within a second that our film won't be released in Pakistan. I didn't even think twice. They said that it will affect our business and cause losses. I told them I have no interest in people who are asking to remove the Indian flag and national anthem, I don't want that business or money,' the actor shared.
ALSO READ | Aamir Khan recalls creditors yelling at him when father went 'almost bankrupt': 'They would say your father hasn't paid us back, very difficult period'
When asked by the host about making most of his money from China, he clarified and replied, 'I have earned the most from India only. In China, two of my films worked a lot – Secret Superstar and Dangal. They love my films a lot. When these films released, we didn't have any enemity with China, there was actually friendship.' Referring to a recent award he received in China, he continued, 'They didn't call me 'National treasure of China', you should take note that they awarded me as 'National treasure of India'. Yes, they are out enemies right now. Jo Jo humaare khilaaf hoga, lekin main humesha humaare armed forces and desh ki saath hi khada rahunga.'
During the same interview, Aamir also spoke about visiting the soldiers at Kargil. 'I have gone there. When the Kargil war happened and we won, I spent eight days there. I landed in Leh and I was on that road which leads to Srinagar, for those eight days. I met every regiment there – SM rifle, Rajputana rifle, Ladakh scout, and many more. I only met jawans, went to encourage them. Aapne humaare liye yudh jeeta hai, hifaasat ki hai, main aapko pranaam karta hun, main aapka shukraguzaar hun. I don't think anyone else went there,' he said.
From living in a bunker near the border to eating with the soldiers, the actor did it all. Instead of him encouraging the jawans, the opposite happened. 'I made a request to the army's high command to spend these eight days with jawans, not with officers specifically. I wanted to encourage them but after spending so many days, I realised that our Indian soldiers don't even need to motivation. They are living and working in such a difficult terrain but their confidence and strength is of another level. They have a bright smile on their faces. They ended up boosting my morale, instead of vice versa.'
'I ate with them and asked about their lives. I even spent one of the nights in a bunker at the border. There were around 6-8 soldiers there with me. I don't think anyone else has done this. I am only answering this because you asked, otherwise I don't feel good about advertising whatever good deeds I have done. I don't have this nature, I live my own life,' Aamir concluded.
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