I am proud that I am a Muslim: Aamir Khan

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has responded to longstanding allegations surrounding his 2014 film PK, which sparked intense public debate due to its depiction of religious practices. 

Speaking on the television show Aap Ki Adalat, Khan addressed accusations of promoting “love jihad” and clarified the intention behind the film, which many critics had labelled as anti-religious.

Responding to claims that PK disrespected religion, Aamir Khan firmly stated that the film was not targeted against any faith. According to him, the objective was to shed light on individuals who misuse religion to deceive the common man, often for financial gain. He asserted, “They’re wrong. We’re not against any religion. We respect all religions and all religious people. That film just tells us to be cautious of those who exploit religion to fool the common man in order to extract money from them. You’ll find people like that in every religion. That was the film’s only purpose.”

He also addressed criticism regarding a particular plotline in the film involving a Hindu woman and a Pakistani Muslim man. Highlighting that love across communities should not be immediately linked to any agenda, he explained that people from different religions often fall in love, and such relationships are grounded in humanity, not ideology.

Facing accusations of mocking Hinduism in his films, Khan reiterated his position, stating, “I respect every religion. I did not insult Hindu religion in films. I questioned those people who are taking advantage in the name of religion.”

He also tackled criticism from certain Muslim groups who label him a “kafir” for not adhering strictly to religious customs, such as his family’s interfaith marriages. In response, he stated, “It is not like that. I am a Muslim and I am proud that I am a Muslim. I am an Indian and I am very proud that I am an Indian. Both things are right in their place.”

(With inputs from The Economic Times)