You’ve probably seen the hashtags trending. #BoycottSitaareZameenPar flooded social media within hours of Aamir Khan’s latest film trailer dropping on May 13, 2025. The backlash intensified following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed lives and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor military response.
Critics targeted Khan for two main reasons: his silence on the recent terror attack and resurfaced photos from his 2020 Turkey visit. Social media users questioned why he didn’t immediately condemn the attack or support India’s military operation.
The timing seemed suspicious when his production house finally issued a statement supporting the armed forces just 12 hours before the trailer launch. But what’s really behind this controversy? Let’s examine the facts.
What Started the Turkey Photo Outrage?
In 2020, photos of Aamir Khan meeting Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan went viral, triggering calls to boycott his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par. The meeting actually happened during his 2020 visit to Turkey for Laal Singh Chaddha promotions.
Khan recently addressed this controversy on Aap Ki Adalat, expressing regret and strongly supporting the “Boycott Turkey” campaign. He stated: “Turkey has done something very wrong, and every Indian has been hurt by this”.
Why Context Matters in Diplomacy
You see world leaders meeting controversial figures regularly. The 2017 meeting during Secret Superstar promotion and the 2020 First Lady meeting were business trips, not political endorsements.
Cultural exchanges and film shoots happen across borders. These professional meetings don’t equal anti-national sentiment.
Aamir’s Patriotic Film Record Speaks Volumes
Khan’s three-decade career shows consistent patriotism through cinema. Here are his major contributions:
Sarfarosh: Breaking Bollywood’s Silence
Sarfarosh (1999) became the first Bollywood film to directly name Pakistan and ISI. The Censor Board initially wanted these references removed, demanding filmmakers use “padosi mulk” instead.
Khan defended this choice, explaining that if politicians could name Pakistan in Parliament, films should follow suit.
Other Iconic Patriotic Works
- Lagaan (2001) earned an Oscar nomination and won the National Film Awards. The film celebrated the Indian spirit against colonial oppression.
- Rang De Basanti (2006) awakened youth consciousness about corruption and patriotism. The film sparked nationwide discussions about civic responsibility.
- Taare Zameen Par (2007) brought dyslexia awareness to India and was the country’s Oscar submission.
- Dangal (2016) empowered daughters and refused edits to remove national symbols for the Pakistan release.
Official Recognition Validates His Contributions
The Government of India honored Khan with Padma Shri in 2003 and Padma Bhushan in 2010. He also received “National Treasure of India” recognition from China in 2017. Khan has won four National Film Awards. These honors reflect institutional trust in his national contributions.
Khan’s Direct Response to Critics
On Aap Ki Adalat, Khan expressed regret about the misunderstanding and condemned Turkey’s Pakistan support. He backed India’s boycott efforts, stating: “We extended friendship during their time of need, and in return, they supported those who attack us”.
Khan also clarified that his Sitaare Zameen Par trailer release timing was coincidental, not calculated.
Industry Voices Support Context
Suniel Shetty defended Khan, noting that “the past history does not represent today’s time”. Several industry figures emphasized the importance of understanding context before joining boycott trends.
The Problem With Selective Outrage
You don’t see similar boycott calls when diplomats meet Pakistani officials regularly. Official diplomatic channels involve daily discussions without accusations of betrayal.
Criticism loses meaning when applied selectively and emotionally. Professional film industry meetings get scrutinized while government diplomatic relations continue normally.
Judge by Career, Not Single Photos
Khan reminded critics: “You will see my patriotism in my work. See Rang De Basanti, Lagaan, and Sarfarosh”. He questioned: “I don’t think any other artist has done as much”.
Reducing a 30-year patriotic film career to one business meeting photo lacks fairness. Khan’s consistent track record of celebrating Indian values through cinema deserves recognition.
Judge Aamir Khan by his complete body of work, official recognitions, and recent clarifications. His films have consistently celebrated the Indian spirit and addressed social issues. Let facts guide your opinion, not viral outrage.
