Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par is facing significant backlash on social media, with hashtags like #BoycottAamirKhan and #BoycottSitaareZameenPar trending on X (formerly Twitter). The controversy stems from a combination of recent events and past associations that have reignited public criticism.
Reasons Behind the Backlash
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Delayed Acknowledgment of Operation Sindoor: On May 13, coinciding with the trailer release of Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan’s production house posted a message saluting the Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor—a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred over a week prior. Many netizens perceived this delayed acknowledgment as a publicity stunt aimed at promoting the film, leading to accusations of insincerity .
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Past Association with Turkey: In 2020, during the shooting of Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan met with Turkey’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan. This meeting resurfaced in public discourse, especially after Turkey expressed support for Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. Critics argue that Khan’s association with Turkish leadership, given Turkey’s political stance, reflects poorly on his national allegiance .
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Perceived Lack of Originality: Sitaare Zameen Par is an official Hindi remake of the Spanish film Campeones (Champions). After the trailer’s release, viewers pointed out striking similarities between the two films, with some labeling it a “scene-by-scene copy.” This has led to criticisms about the lack of creativity and originality in Khan’s recent projects .
Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding Sitaare Zameen Par highlights the increasing scrutiny public figures face regarding their political associations and the content they produce. It also underscores the impact of social media in shaping public opinion and the potential consequences for celebrities who are perceived to be out of touch with national sentiments.
As the film’s release approaches, it remains to be seen how this backlash will affect its performance at the box office and Aamir Khan’s standing in the industry.
