Imran Khan says uncle Aamir Khan got death threats for Satyameva Jayate: ‘Unhe desh se bhagane ki koshish…’

Just as much impact as he created with his sociopolitical films, Aamir Khan also made waves with the talk show Satyamev Jayate. The programme, which centred each episode on a sensitive issue prevalent in India, became a hot topic during its run (2012-14), with the themes it addressed finding their way into conversations across households. From female foeticide, child sex abuse and the dowry system to casteism, untouchability, rape, and issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, Satyamev Jayate threw a spotlight on a wide range of topics.

‘Aamir Khan got death threats’

However, Aamir Khan’s nephew, actor Imran Khan, recently revealed that the show irked many who were indulged in the evil practices Satyamev Jayate addressed and condemned, prompting them to issue threats against the superstar, who served as its creator, host, and co-producer. “I have known Aamir my whole life. I have a base level of faith and trust that the choices he makes and the things he chooses to attach his time and energy to are made in good faith and with honesty. His episode on female infanticide angered a lot of folks who issued death threats,” he said during a recent appearance on Unfiltered by Samdish.

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‘An attempt to throw Aamir out of India’

Imran added, “Mamu jaan bechare ko desh se bhagane ki koshish kar rahe hain kab se (Many have been trying to scare my poor uncle, Aamir, away from the country for a long time). But that is also part of the learning. It is part of an important message that we are all meant to learn: ‘Keep your head down. Zyada bolne ka nahi. Na teri ghar aa jayenge, aur ghar ko jalayenge (Don’t talk too much. Otherwise, we’ll come to your house and burn it down).’ (Through such experiences) you learn.”

Imran further maintained that it’s difficult for him to rent a home in the city of Mumbai, both because of his religious identity and his occupation. “For me, there’s an added layer of weirdness. Sometimes people don’t want film professionals in their building. I am a Muslim, even though I don’t identify as one (and an actor as well),” he added, admitting that it’s difficult for people with these identities to rent houses. Imran Khan, who has been on a hiatus for the past decade, is all set to make a comeback with Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, directed by comedian-actor Vir Das.