I am a Muslim, and I’m proud of it, but first I am an Indian, and I am extremely proud of that too – Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, popularly known as Mr. Perfectionist of Bollywood, recently appeared on India TV’s renowned show Aap Ki Adalat, where veteran journalist Rajat Sharma grilled him with several direct and bold questions. In this special conversation, Aamir not only responded to the allegations against his films but also spoke openly about topics like the nation, religion, terrorism, and his personal life. Here's what he said.

On the Allegation of ‘Love Jihad’

During Aap Ki Adalat, Aamir Khan was asked about the social media trolls who accuse him of promoting 'love jihad'—especially for portraying a romantic relationship between a Hindu girl and a Pakistani Muslim boy in his film PK. Responding to this, Aamir said that labeling every interfaith love as ‘love jihad’ is wrong. He believes that when two individuals from different religions fall in love and wish to get married, it shouldn’t always be branded as ‘love jihad’.

Aamir added that when two people connect from the heart, it’s a triumph of humanity, which stands above religion. He also gave examples from his own family—his sister Nikhat married Santosh Hegde and another sister Farhat married Rajeev Datta, both of whom are Hindus, while his sisters are Muslim. Additionally, his daughter Ira got married to Nupur Shikhare.

On Allegations of Mocking Hinduism in Films

Responding to allegations that his films insult Hinduism, Aamir said, “I respect all religions. I never insulted Hinduism in my films. I questioned those who exploit religion for personal gain.” He also mentioned that some Muslim groups criticized him for not strictly following religious traditions, such as interfaith marriages in his family, and even labeled him a "kafir." To this he replied, “That’s not true. I am a Muslim, and I am proud to be one. I am also an Indian, and I take great pride in being Indian. Both identities are equally important to me.”

On Naming His Children

Aamir was also questioned about how his children were named. He clarified that the names were chosen by his wives, Reena and Kiran, and he never interfered in those decisions. Reena picked the names Junaid and Ira—where Ira is a form of the goddess Saraswati and is a Hindu name. The name Azad was chosen by Kiran in memory of Maulana Azad. Aamir added that his family has ties to Maulana Azad’s family. Maulana Azad was a key figure in India’s freedom struggle alongside Nehru, Gandhi, and Patel. Azad is not exclusively a Muslim name—it was also the name of revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad.

Why He Didn’t Speak to Ex-Wife Kiran Rao

When asked why he had stopped talking to his ex-wife Kiran Rao for several days, Aamir responded, “Actually, it wasn’t about fights. I rarely argue with anyone; it’s just not in my nature. But when someone hurts me, I completely shut down. It’s like steel walls go up around me—I stop listening, stop responding. I cut off from them entirely. That’s wrong, and I admit it. If someone hurts you, you should forgive them. There’s nothing greater than forgiveness.”

Didn’t Talk to Juhi Chawla for Seven Years

Rajat Sharma then brought up how Aamir hadn’t spoken to his Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak co-star Juhi Chawla for seven years. Aamir admitted, “Yes, I didn’t speak to Juhi for seven years. That was childish. It was ego. I thought I was right, she was wrong, and I refused to forgive her. That was a mistake. I realized this over time and even went into therapy. It was only through therapy that I started understanding these things about myself. Holding onto grudges and not forgiving someone is wrong, and I’ve learned that slowly over the years.”

‘Sarfarosh’ Was the First Film to Openly Name Pakistan

When Aamir Khan was asked why he avoids mentioning Pakistan in his films, he candidly responded, “The censor board always instructed us to say ‘neighboring country’ instead of naming Pakistan. But Sarfarosh was my first film where we openly named Pakistan and the ISI.”
Aamir shared that director John Matthew was concerned the censor board would not approve it. But Aamir insisted, saying, “When leaders like Advani Ji can make accusations against Pakistan in Parliament, why can’t we show the truth in a film?” Based on that reasoning, they received permission, and Sarfarosh made history as the first film to name Pakistan directly. He added, “Those who say I don’t speak against Pakistan should know that I was the first one to do so.”

Refused to Remove National Flag and Anthem in ‘Dangal’

During the same conversation, Aamir revealed that the Pakistan censor board had asked for the removal of the national flag and anthem from the climax of Dangal as a condition for its release. Aamir immediately refused.
“Disney told me the Pakistani board wanted those scenes removed or the film wouldn’t be approved. I clearly said that if they want to remove our national flag and anthem, we’re not interested in releasing the film there. I don’t want business that demands that.”

On Earnings from India vs. China
When Rajat Sharma asked Aamir where he earned the most from, Aamir replied, “My maximum earnings have come from India, not China. Yes, Dangal and Secret Superstar did very well in China. They called me the ‘National Treasure of India,’ not China. That shows even they acknowledge me as an Indian, and I associate myself with India too.”

Jokingly Blamed Salman and Shah Rukh for ‘Dangal’

Aamir also shared a humorous anecdote about the casting of Dangal. When asked whether he accused Salman and Shah Rukh Khan of trying to sabotage his image by pushing him to take the role, Aamir joked: “I used to tell director Nitesh Tiwari jokingly – people think I’m 30-35, and if I do this film, my real age will be exposed! I said in jest – did Salman or Shah Rukh send you to ruin my career by giving me Dangal?”

On the Pahalgam Attack

While discussing national security and the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Aamir became visibly emotional. “The world needs to understand – they initiated it. They killed our people. Is this humanity? Every religion condemns the killing of innocents.”

He emphasized that such acts are against Islam and that terrorists should not be linked with any religion. He praised the Indian Army and recalled how he spent eight days in Kargil after the war to boost soldiers’ morale. When asked why he remained silent on the Pahalgam killings, he said, “This terrorist attack on our country was a cowardly act. These cowards are entering our land and shooting civilians, even asking their religion before killing them. What sense does that make? I have spoken out against it.

I’m not on social media, but I answered this during a function. It’s not just an attack on our people – it’s an attack on our unity, and they’ve already received a strong response.”

On Meeting Turkish Leaders

Rajat Sharma questioned Aamir about his meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2017 and First Lady Emine Erdoğan in 2020, particularly after Turkey supplied drones to Pakistan post ‘Operation Sindoor’. Aamir responded, “Turkey did a very wrong thing, and every Indian was hurt by it. Years ago, when Turkey suffered an earthquake, who helped first? India did. Back then, our government didn’t know about their ties with Pakistan, nor did I.

When I met Erdoğan, I didn’t know what they would do years later. We extended a hand of friendship, and they responded like this. That’s wrong.” When asked about the photo with Erdoğan’s wife, Aamir said, “That was even earlier. As a celebrity visiting another country, I act as a kind of ambassador. If someone invites me for tea, I find it inappropriate to decline. These things happen often. But what Turkey has done now is deeply hurtful.”

On Boycott Calls

Addressing boycott campaigns, Aamir said, “I trust my audience knows me well. Trolls try, but I have deep faith in my viewers. My connection with them isn’t just about movies – it’s about how I live my life. Yes, I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve learned from them.”

Why He Took a Break from Films

When asked why he distanced himself from films, Aamir gave an honest and emotional answer: “Yes, there came a time. I’ve been in films since I was 18 – first as an assistant director, then an actor. Over the years, I got lost in the journey, the passion, the creativity. During the COVID lockdown, for the first time, I sat at home and thought – what am I doing? How much time have I given to my children, my mother, siblings? I felt a deep sense of guilt.”
Aamir revealed that by then, his daughter Ira was 23 and his son Junaid 28. “I don’t even know what Ira’s dreams or fears were when she was little. But I know the insecurities of my directors! That made me angry at myself. I decided that Laal Singh Chaddha would be my last film. After that, I would quit acting and only produce.”

He apologized to his family and told them he just wanted to spend time with them. “I even called Sitaare Zameen Par director R.S. Prasanna to say I’ve quit films. Please cast someone else – I’ll only produce.” But then, his children sat him down. They wrote 12 tasks on a whiteboard and asked, “Which ones will you do?” Aamir said, “Three.” They asked how much time that would take – “15%,” he said. They replied, “And what will you do with the other 85%?” Aamir said he would spend it with them.

His kids folded their hands and said, “Papa, enough. In the last 6–8 months, you’ve spent more time with us than in our entire lives. But now you’re overdoing it. We can’t be with you 24/7 – we have our own lives too!”

Kiran Rao Cried When He Said He Was Quitting Films

Aamir shared that when he told his wife Kiran Rao about quitting films, she broke down. “I asked – why are you crying? Now we’ll spend more time together.” Kiran replied, “You don’t understand. You’re a child of cinema. If you leave films, you’re leaving yourself behind. And us too. You shouldn’t do this.” Aamir concluded, “The very people I quit films for began urging me not to quit. They said – make films, but balance your life. That’s when I decided to return to work.”

He added on the same show, “I can tell you right here today – I will never leave the film industry. Whatever I am today is because of the love of my audience. Very few people get to do the work they love, receive success, respect, and love for it. I thank the Almighty with folded hands for this life. This country, this land, and its people have given me everything. I am forever grateful.”

Let us tell you, Aamir Khan’s film Sitaare Zameen Par is set to release in cinemas on June 20.

Aamir Khan Movies

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