KKN Gurugram Desk | Veteran Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has once again found himself at the center of a social media storm, with calls to boycott his upcoming re-release of Taare Zameen Par. The controversy stems from Aamir’s past alleged political proximity to Türkiye, a nation that has recently had tense diplomatic relations with India.
Several online users and political commentators have raised concerns over Aamir’s meeting with Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan during the shooting of his 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha. The controversy has now resurfaced, leading to growing online campaigns urging audiences to #BoycottAamirKhan.
In the middle of this controversy, Bollywood star Suniel Shetty has spoken out in Aamir’s defense, urging the public to take a balanced and nuanced view of the issue.
Suniel Shetty Speaks: “We Always Get Hit From Both Ends”
In a recent media interaction, when asked about the growing boycott culture targeting Bollywood stars, Suniel Shetty said:
“We, the actors, often get hit from both sides. If we speak, we’re criticized. If we stay silent, we’re also blamed. It’s an extremely tough space to navigate.”
He refrained from directly commenting on Aamir Khan’s diplomatic associations but stressed the importance of context and compassion, especially in the creative industry.
“At the end of the day, we are entertainers. We create stories that touch lives. One meeting should not define a person’s entire career or intent.”
Why is Aamir Khan Being Targeted?
The controversy relates to Aamir Khan’s 2020 visit to Türkiye, where he was seen meeting the First Lady, Emine Erdoğan. At that time, Türkiye’s government was under scrutiny for its stance on Kashmir and its growing pro-Pakistan rhetoric.
While Aamir did not make any political statements, the optics of the meeting were enough to spark nationalistic outrage online, particularly among sections of the population sensitive to India’s diplomatic relationships.
Now, as Taare Zameen Par prepares for a digital and theatrical re-release in August 2025, critics have dug up old controversies to reignite boycott trends.
Social Media Reactions: #BoycottAamirKhan Trends Again
On Twitter (now X), hashtags like #BoycottAamirKhan, #TaareZameenParBoycott, and #BollywoodAgendaExposed have been trending, with users accusing Aamir Khan of being anti-national or politically biased.
Some users argue that Bollywood has a “selective silence” when it comes to matters of national interest, and celebrities are too cozy with foreign ideologies.
Others, however, have defended Aamir, pointing to his charitable work, progressive cinema, and commitment to social issues like education and inclusivity.
Taare Zameen Par Re-Release: Caught in the Crossfire
The film Taare Zameen Par (2007) is widely regarded as one of Aamir Khan’s most critically acclaimed and socially impactful films. Centered around the struggles of a dyslexic child, the movie became a milestone in Indian educational discourse.
Its upcoming re-release is aimed at new-generation audiences, with remastered visuals and expanded digital platforms. However, the film’s promotional campaign is now overshadowed by political noise.
“It’s sad that a film like Taare Zameen Par, which educates and inspires, is being dragged into controversy. The real message of the film is being lost,” a film critic commented.
Past Controversies: A Pattern?
This isn’t the first time Aamir Khan has faced social media wrath. In 2015, he faced backlash for his remarks on intolerance in India, made during an interview where he mentioned that his wife once expressed fear for their child’s safety.
The comment led to widespread outrage, cancellations of endorsements, and calls to boycott his films. Later, Laal Singh Chaddha too was targeted for alleged disrespect toward the military, further fanning anti-Aamir sentiment.
While the actor has largely maintained silence during these cycles of outrage, his public image has taken a hit among certain audiences.
Suniel Shetty on Boycott Culture: “Cancel Culture Harms Creativity”
Expanding on his response, Suniel Shetty criticized the broader trend of cancel culture in India:
“It’s become far too easy to discredit someone based on a single incident or perception. We’re in an age of social media verdicts, not justice.”
Shetty, who is known for his balanced political views and industry respect, said actors should not be constantly judged through political lenses, especially when their work is apolitical and intended for public good.
“The film industry is an easy punching bag. But behind the scenes, it’s thousands of people — technicians, artists, writers — whose work suffers.”
Bollywood’s Tightrope Walk: Nationalism vs Creative Freedom
In the current climate, Bollywood actors often walk a tightrope between patriotism and personal liberty. While some celebrities align themselves with government initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission or Mann Ki Baat, others choose to remain apolitical — and are often punished for it.
Aamir Khan, often considered a socially responsible voice in Indian cinema, has repeatedly tried to use his platform for awareness — from Satyamev Jayate to Dangal. Yet, he finds himself under scrutiny again.
Impact on Business and Branding
Repeated controversies have reportedly affected Aamir Khan’s brand endorsements, with several deals being put on hold or not renewed. While Dangal and PK were global blockbusters, post-2015 Aamir has been more cautious in public appearances.
Industry insiders suggest that the current climate is commercially risky, and studios are now calculating public sentiment before launching marketing campaigns.
“Even before a teaser drops, we now have to run a sentiment analysis. That’s how bad it’s gotten,” said a senior PR executive with a major production house.
A fundamental question arises: Do artists owe political allegiance?
While citizens certainly do, Suniel Shetty suggests that creatives should not be politicized unless their work promotes hate or division. In Aamir’s case, no such work exists.
“We need to separate art from personal or perceived ideologies. Otherwise, we’ll end up silencing the very voices that have helped shape our social consciousness,” Shetty said.
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