Remember, Ram Nath Goenka award in 2015, when Aamir gave a statement on the Intolerance and what happened next broke the internet hashtags and trends. From “Aamir Pakistan Jao”, “Intolerant Aamir” and “ we are with Aamir”, several opinions were reflected by various hashtags on social media. A Few days earlier a similar comment of Shahrukh Khan on intolerance evoked a debate on twitter and Facebook.
An immediate public reaction to this comment was an appeal to boycott his upcoming movie Dilwale. Dilwale which was released along with Bajirao Mastani, didn’t fare up too well considering the dominance of Baadshah in B town. Aamir’s statement too drew a lot of agony and a voice to boycott his film Dangal was raised a year before its release. Aamir also lost his Snapdeal contract and Incredible India iconship.
It is to be noted that the ruling party BJP was on the defending side of Intolerance debate. One and a half month before the release of Dangal, government has decided to ban the big bucks 500 and rupees 1000 notes. Aamir and Shahrukh have welcomed the bold move made by Narendra Modi. Their statements have kept hardcore right winger on a mute for a while, but is the support from Khan duo a natural reaction or a well thought one?
It may be a personal stance of Khans to support the currency rollback, but going by the past experiences, it seems both are reluctant to touch any sensitive issue as the date of their next is round the corner. Aamir’s next is slated to be released on 25th December (next month) and Shahrukh’s Raees may release in March 2017. Raees have already drawn ire due to the inclusion of Pakistani actress Mahira Khan. It is any day better to avoid a campaign against you to keep the box office collection intact.
However, If this is the reason for the change in the stance of Khans, sooner or later they will be caught by the other lot of the group. According to some posts on social media, Muslim fanatics are miffed with the stand of Khan duos on currency rollback. On prominent news portal’s Facebook link, a series of the hate mongering can be seen due to the pro- BJP stance of the stars. This backlash also raises the question on the precious stand of the Khans on “Intolerance”. Was that a natural reaction or to keep minorities in confidence by projecting themselves as “Anti –BJP stars”.
Whether natural or planted, the statements of both the Khans may have a serious implicaton on the collection of their upcoming movies. At present both are opting to play it safe.