London: To put it mildly, superstar Khans have practically gone into the veins of cinema-loving Indians. Their action and statement have the capacity to whip a controversy. For the last few years, the three Khans - Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman have churned out one hit after the other. The reason is not because those were great films, but the Khans command power, which boosts the box office success.
The year saw biggest controversies pertaining to the three Khans - Salman Khan’s hit and run court orders, Shah Rukh Khan’s comment on ‘growing intolerance’. More recently, Aamir Khan jumped on the intolerance debate as he revealed his wife Kiran Rao’s desire to ‘leave the country’ due to the increasing intolerance.
All these three events led to flash in pan reactions from people who questioned the responsibility of the three Khans towards their fans and society. “We will boycott their films” was the instant reaction when these Khans expressed themselves openly. It led to a furore of sorts giving rise to uncountable number of debates, messages, open letters and forwards on the social media. What’sApp turned into a single point platform for people from all sections of society, giving their point of view over the ongoing debate on secularism, intolerance and freedom of speech.
The uproar that’s noticed soon after the controversy has highlighted several aspects of the adulation that the Khans enjoy. As the cacophony of criticism settles down, film loving janta waste no time to queue up for the first day first show of their movies.
India has been well known as the biggest film loving nation and thus star power plays with emotions of common people India. Controversies gripped the Khans in recent times, but has it really affected their box office records?
Salman Khan: Soon after the Mumbai High Court convicted Salman Khan in the 2002 hit and run case, there was uproar among a section of audience who felt that the actor was unnecessarily guarded because of his celebrity status. Several righteous citizens including the family members of victims and the sole eye-witness Ravindra Patil, who died in 2007 demanded severe punishment for the actor.
But, the case added to the popularity of the actor, who was revered as he came out of the court. Anti-Salman rants died down as soon as 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' was released - his on-screen character confirmed him as a Good Samaritan in real life too. The movie went on to earn Rs 600 crore worldwide. His Diwali release 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' is yet another hit which has so far earned Rs 400 crore net profit.
Shah Rukh Khan: Shah Rukh Khan has been the most politically correct among the three Khans. In an interview on the occasion of his 50th birthday, SRK joined the chorus against ‘growing intolerance’ in the country. He said that the “religious intolerance and not being secular... is the worst kind of crime that you can do as a patriot.” This comment was promptly linked to SRK’s questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the share sale of the Knight Riders Sports Pvt Ltd. Again, his intolerance remarks were sufficient to enrage a section who decided to boycott his movies.
His next release 'Dilwale' is ready for screening on Christmas, and once again the audience are excitedly looking forward to SRK’s return with Kajol.
Aamir Khan: Driven by his crusader image, Aamir Khan has always been in the forefront to take up social cause and participate in political movements. The actor at an event disclosed wife Kiran Rao’s thoughts over increasing intolerance, due to which they might think of “leaving India”. Coming from a seasoned actor like Aamir, this was a major statement which as expected led to public backlash. Several organisations and audience including his loyal fans called for banning Aamir’s forthcoming movies.
Unmoved by public outcry, Aamir continues with the shooting of Dangal in Punjab. He is well assured that by the time his movie- a semi-biopic on wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat will release (sometimes next year), people will forget the entire controversy. Pre-release publicity will conveniently create a hype to boost the success of his movie.
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