Aamir Khan’s ‘Sitare Zameen Par’ Faces Boycott Calls Over Turkey Ties and Silence on India-Pakistan Conflict
| 2025-05-15
Aamir Khan from the trailer of Sitaare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitare Zameen Par draws online backlash amid India-Pakistan tensions, with users calling for a boycott over the actor’s past Turkey visit.
Aamir Khan's latest film Sitare Zameen Par has come under scrutiny, with social media users in India calling for a boycott, citing the actor’s past visit to Turkey and his silence on recent India-Pakistan tensions.
The controversy erupted shortly after the trailer for Sitare Zameen Par was released on 13 May. The film, which features Khan as a basketball coach mentoring a team of children with Down syndrome, is scheduled for release on 20 June 2025.
While the trailer received praise from some quarters for highlighting a sensitive subject, others expressed anger over what they described as Aamir Khan’s lack of public support for India’s military operations following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam Attack
Calls for a boycott intensified following Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched by the Indian Armed Forces on 7 May in response to a terror attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 people and prompted retaliatory action by Indian forces against alleged terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Several social media users criticised Khan for not immediately acknowledging the attack or expressing solidarity with Indian forces. Although his production house, Aamir Khan Productions, later issued a statement praising the armed forces and the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the timing of the message was seen by some as opportunistic.
“Salute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Heartfelt gratitude to our armed forces for their courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the security of our nation. Thank you to the Honourable Prime Minister for his leadership and determination. Jai Hind,” read the post shared by the production company.
Turkey Visit Resurfaces Amid Tensions
Adding to the controversy, a video clip of Aamir Khan meeting Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan during a 2020 visit to Turkey resurfaced online. The meeting, which occurred while Khan was promoting his film Laal Singh Chaddha, had previously sparked criticism due to strained diplomatic relations between India and Turkey, particularly over the Kashmir issue.
At the time, Turkey had expressed support for Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, leading to public calls in India for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism. The resurfacing of the video has reignited those sentiments, with some accusing Khan of engaging with a country viewed by many as hostile to Indian interests.
One user wrote on social media, “Remember Aamir Khan and his love for Türkiye? Yeah, keep that photo in mind before watching any of his movies again.”
Others suggested that Khan’s international engagements and perceived reluctance to comment on national issues reflect a broader disconnect between Bollywood celebrities and Indian public sentiment.
Mixed Public Reaction
Despite the backlash, some have voiced support for Khan’s new film. Admirers of his earlier work, particularly the critically acclaimed Taare Zameen Par (2007), see Sitare Zameen Par as a continuation of his efforts to spotlight marginalised communities. The new film is directed by R. S. Prasanna and co-stars Genelia Deshmukh, along with several debutant actors portraying children with disabilities.
“Through Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan made people aware of a topic like dyslexia. Now with Sitare Zameen Par, he probably wants to spread awareness about Down syndrome,” one user commented.
The film's storyline centres around a strict coach whose relationship with his team of differently-abled children gradually transforms his own personality. Supporters have praised this narrative as both emotional and socially impactful.
Context: Bollywood and National Sentiment
This is not the first time Aamir Khan has faced calls for a boycott. In recent years, several Bollywood actors have drawn criticism over political or religious sensitivities, often amplified through social media. These campaigns reflect a growing public expectation that cultural figures align openly with national causes, especially during periods of geopolitical tension.
In 2015, Khan sparked controversy when he spoke publicly about rising intolerance in India, a comment that led to widespread backlash and accusations of being unpatriotic. His latest project now finds itself at the centre of renewed debates about celebrity responsibility and nationalism.
The film industry in India, particularly mainstream Hindi cinema, has increasingly found itself navigating these polarised discussions, which can significantly affect box office performance and public perception.
Sitare Zameen Par is expected to release across Indian theatres on 20 June 2025, but the outcome of the boycott calls remains to be seen.
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