Bollywood Boycott Trends on X Over India-Pakistan Silence
| 2025-05-17
From left, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan (Courtesy Star TV)
Bollywood stars Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan face boycott calls on social media for their silence amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.
A wave of online criticism has engulfed Bollywood’s leading actors Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan over their silence on recent India-Pakistan tensions, prompting a viral #BoycottBollywood trend on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The backlash emerged shortly after the release of the trailer for Aamir Khan’s upcoming filmSitaare Zameen Par. Although the movie focuses on social themes, its promotional timing—during a period of heightened political strain between India and Pakistan—sparked renewed scrutiny of Bollywood celebrities’ public positions on national issues.
Calls for accountability amid rising political tensions
The primary source of public frustration stems from the perceived unwillingness of Bollywood’s most prominent figures to speak out in support of India's position regarding Pakistan. The criticism centres on the idea that influential public figures, particularly those with massive fan followings like the three Khans, should not remain neutral during moments of national significance.
Much of the anger has been concentrated on Aamir Khan due to the coincidence of his film’s trailer release with a rise in geopolitical tension. Critics on X have argued that the actor, while actively promoting his film, has chosen not to acknowledge ongoing security concerns involving Pakistan—something viewed by many as a betrayal.
One widely shared post read, “Aamir Khan’s movie is coming out, and now, during its promotion, he chooses to remain silent on India-Pakistan tensions. Do not fall for their false promotions.”
Viral video deepens backlash
A turning point in the online protest came when a video featuring a Muslim man in traditional attire went viral on X. In the video, the man distances himself from Bollywood’s Muslim actors, declaring that he does not align with what he perceives as their failure to denounce Pakistan’s alleged involvement in terrorism.
“This Muslim brother lashed out at the Khans of Bollywood for not speaking against terrorist Pakistan,” said the user who uploaded the clip. The post has since been shared widely, with many netizens expressing similar sentiments and amplifying calls for a boycott of Bollywood’s biggest names.
Past controversies resurface
The controversy has also revived earlier criticism of Aamir Khan’s foreign engagements, particularly his 2020 meeting with Emine Erdoğan, the First Lady of Turkey. The meeting took place during a time when Turkey had expressed support for Pakistan on international platforms, drawing rebuke from Indian commentators.
Footage from the meeting, along with images from a previous 2017 visit involving Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have resurfaced online, further fuelling discontent. Critics claim such interactions demonstrate a disregard for India’s diplomatic sensitivities, especially given Turkey’s historical alignment with Pakistan in regional disputes.
Silence of other stars under scrutiny
Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have also come under fire for not issuing public statements about the India-Pakistan situation. Although neither actor has recently commented on the issue, their absence from the national discourse has been interpreted by some as tacit indifference.
Fans and critics alike have questioned the moral responsibility of public figures who wield substantial influence, arguing that silence in the face of geopolitical crises can no longer be viewed as a neutral stance.
“Bollywood celebrities often speak out when it suits their brand image. But when it comes to national integrity, their silence is deafening,” one user posted on X.
A broader cultural shift
The #BoycottBollywood movement reflects a wider trend in India where public expectations of celebrities are rapidly evolving. In recent years, audiences have increasingly demanded that actors, musicians, and other influential figures take definitive stances on national and political issues.
The current wave of criticism aligns with previous boycott campaigns that targeted the film industry over perceived ideological leanings or insensitivity to public sentiment. Social media platforms have played a central role in mobilising such campaigns, allowing discontent to spread rapidly and pressure public figures into accountability.
Bollywood, nationalism, and social influence
Bollywood remains one of India’s most powerful cultural exports, shaping narratives both domestically and abroad. However, the rise of social media has exposed film stars to heightened public scrutiny, especially on issues tied to national identity and security.
India and Pakistan share a complex and often tense relationship, marked by longstanding territorial disputes and intermittent hostilities. In such a context, any public figure perceived as neutral or silent risks being interpreted as unsupportive of India’s national interests.
Critics argue that the Khans’ silence not only disconnects them from segments of the public but also undermines the responsibility they bear as cultural ambassadors. Others suggest that the decision to remain neutral may reflect an attempt to avoid inflaming already sensitive regional tensions or alienating diverse audience bases.
The future of Bollywood’s public engagement
As political pressures and public expectations continue to mount, the Indian film industry may need to reassess its approach to national issues. Whether or not the Khans choose to respond, the growing popularity of movements like #BoycottBollywood signals a shifting landscape—one in which celebrity neutrality is increasingly seen as an untenable position.
In an era of digital activism and heightened nationalism, Bollywood stars may find it harder to separate their cinematic roles from their responsibilities as public figures. For now, silence may no longer be the safe option it once was.
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