Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s remarks during a journalism award ceremony in New Delhi earlier this week triggered a storm on social and mainstream media, adding momentum to the ongoing debate on growing intolerance in India. The actor’s frank admission that his Hindu Brahmin wife discussed moving out of India, in view of growing intolerance, led many to heap disdain on the couple, wanting them to leave the country for good. His fans and colleagues, however, rallied around the star who is often dubbed as ‘Mr Clean’ of the Hindi film industry. Some also suggested that the Muslim actor’s popularity is a proof of tolerance of Indian people.
The uproar over his remarks is yet another instance of social and political discourse becoming deeply divisive in a nation that is officially secular. The storm over Aamir’s remarks is expected to taper off in the coming days. Even those who are upset with him will love his forthcoming release Dangal, a sports drama about a wrestler who teaches wrestling to his daughters. But a section of the political class in India must be reigned in by the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who won the 2014 elections on the promise of development, must control elements in his Bharatiya Janata Party to ensure his government stays on course. India is a large country of ethnic and linguistic diversities and it is important to take a holistic view of events shaping the nation.
This is necessary to avoid falling in the trap of building a narrow narrative based on prevailing sentiments alone, no matter how overwhelming they are. This debate on growing intolerance itself is an indication of the robustness of Indian society.
