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Journalism of Courage
I’ve never been a great fan of Aamir Khan, but after his recent statement, I can’t say that anymore. Like everybody else, I first read his damning quote (yes, on social media) and, much later, watched the entire interview. We all know he mentioned his wife (read by the Twitterati and others as “his Hindu wife”) Kiran Rao talks about leaving India. And he shares her concerns on rising intolerance in the country. And, to my mind, he was simply doing some plain speaking.
But that’s when all hell broke loose. While Aamir responded as a concerned citizen, he was attacked for being Muslim. As writer and translator Arunava Sinha posted on his Facebook page, “Did all of you jumping down Aamir Khan’s throat consider that he might be speaking as a citizen of India who is alarmed and distressed by the open hostility to liberal values and freedom in the country, just like many Indians are today, and not as a Muslim? If you immediately associate Aamir Khan’s statement with that of a Muslim’s, you’re a bigot.”
WATCH VIDEO: Aamir Khan On Intolerance & Delinking Terrorism From Religion #RNGAwards
So, as the Twitter handle goes, #IStandWithAamir. Lines have been drawn on TV and social media as well…the TV debates have the usual suspects representing the Congress, BJP and a token filmmaker. One doesn’t have to watch to know which way the argument would go. But, it’s sad to note that while we debate if Aamir Khan is right or wrong, we are missing out on the real issue issue here. Do we, as a nation, feel the heat of intolerance? Do we, as Aamir says (in the video I watched later) believe that regardless of the government in power, it has to be seen as taking a stronger stance when incidents like Dadri or even the 1984 riots take place?
ALSO READ: Khan’s statement has given substance to intolerance debate, says Sharad Pawar
Isn’t that what we all feel, at some level? So, how about we forget it’s Aamir Khan, who has made pots of money at the expense of “gullible” Indian audiences, and come together against intolerance. This was Aamir’s way; how about we now find our own way to protest?
PHOTOS: Aamir Khan on intolerance: Here’s what everyone else has said
And, while we are at it, I would love to be a fly on the wall when Kiran and Aamir discuss migration options. With ISIS and other terror groups launching an offensive against pretty much the whole world, a plot on the moon seems the only option! There’s also speculation that there may be life on Mars and reports from Nasa suggest we should have an answer in the next five years. Till then, Kiran Rao, hold onto your seatbelt!
