Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has finally spoken out about the criticism he faced for the delay in responding to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed several innocent lives on April 22.
His official statement came over a week after many from the film industry had voiced their reactions. In a candid conversation with India TV, Aamir opened up about the reasons behind it.
He also took the opportunity to speak out against the misrepresentation of Islam by those who commit acts of terror in its name. “No religion asks you to kill people. I don’t consider these terrorists Muslims because it’s written in Islam that you can’t kill any innocent human, can’t strike a woman or a child. They’re going against the religion by doing what they are doing,” said Aamir.
Calling the act “cruel”, Aamir said, “The terror attack was cruel. It only demonstrates the terrorists’ cowardice that they entered our country and fired bullets on common men. You or I could’ve also been there. They asked their religion and then fired bullets. What does that mean?“
Aamir further clarified that although the public didn’t see an immediate social media post from him, it wasn’t due to a lack of concern. “I’m not active on social media. People usually respond instantly to such events there,” he explained, adding that he had addressed the issue during an event shortly after the incident took place.
Speaking about the attack, Aamir said, “It wasn’t just an assault on our nation, but also on our unity. They have already received a fitting response from our country,” referring to India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan.
Addressing criticism that his statement coincided with the promotions of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir calmly dismissed the claims. “If I speak up about our forces giving a strong response, am I doing anything wrong? Should I worry about the film or stand with our forces at that moment? I believe staying silent just because my film is nearing release would be wrong. That’s why I chose to speak openly.”
Aamir went on to clarify that the trailer launch of Sitaare Zameen Par, which took place just 12 hours after his statement, was purely coincidental and not a planned PR strategy. “The trailer was actually scheduled for an earlier release. I postponed it following the attack on our country. I even cancelled the premiere of Andaz Apna Apna that day,” he explained. The 1994 cult classic was re-released in theatres on April 25.
The actor admitted that the tragic incident deeply affected him. “Like every Indian, I too was filled with anger and grief. I was so disturbed that I didn’t leave my house for days,” he shared.
Speaking about patriotism—a recurring theme in many of his films—Aamir pointed to his body of work as a reflection of his love for the country. “My patriotism is evident in my films. Look at Rang De Basanti, Lagaan, Sarfarosh—I don’t think any other actor has done more patriotic films than I have.”
He fondly recalled receiving praise from veteran actor Manoj Kumar, famously known as “Bharat Kumar.” “Manoj ji once told me, ‘If anyone from the next generation is doing something for the nation, it’s you.’ He had seen my work,” Aamir recounted.
Despite facing years of trolling and backlash—particularly ahead of Laal Singh Chaddha’s release, which many believe impacted its box office performance—Aamir said he remains introspective, but undeterred.
(Also read: “Wasn’t Successful In Marriage, But Successful In Divorce” – Says Aamir Khan)
The post Aamir Khan Says Pahalgam Attackers Aren’t Muslims: ‘They Fired After Asking Religion’ first appeared on Instant Bollywood.