Being tolerant? Twitterati slams Aamir Khan, wants to boycott Dangal

If you are a public figure in India, it is normal to go back and forth on your statements. However, the modern day Twitter janta hardly spares the about-turn as Aamir Khan found out on Monday when he retracted his statements on ‘intolerance’ in India.

Speaking at the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Rang de Basanti in Mumbai, Aamir said, “I love my country, I was born here and I will die here. I have never thought of leaving India and will never take such a step. I never said India is intolerant or I want to leave the country... these two things have been said to everyone. So, obviously, people will get hurt and I understand their emotions. I am not surprised they are angry with me. But, there is no truth to this all.”

Read: Never said India in intolerant, claims Aamir Khan

A fatter Aamir Khan spotted as he prepares for his role in Dangal. (Photo: Yogen Shah)

His statements lit Twitter on fire as users slammed the PK star for his statement, some calling it opportunistic. Others even claimed that Aamir, whose next movie Dangal comes out this year, retracted his statement on intolerance given the repercussions Shah Rukh Khanfaced with Dilwale for his comments on intolerance.

Last November, amid the raging debate over India’s alleged growing intolerance and artistes, writers, historians and so on returning their national distinctions in protest, the actor said his wife Kiran Raohad contemplated leaving India. “When I chat with Kiran at home, she says ‘Should we move out of India?’ That’s a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day,” the 50-year-old said.

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Aamir was widely criticised by many and even slammed on Twitter by colleagues like Anupam Kher and Raveena Tandon. The actor went on to clarify that the statement wasn’t a direct indication of wanting to leave the country, but a comment on the circumstances at that time. However, it did little to salvage the controversy the initial comments raked up.

Read: Aamir Khan shows his rooted, rustic side in Dangal poster

Since Nitesh Tiwari’s Dangal, where Aamir plays a wrestler is his next movie slated for theatrical release this December, the hashtag #BoycottDangal remained a top India trend on Twitter through Monday night and continued to be on the trending list on Tuesday morning.

Read: When Aamir Khan joined the intolerance debate
Read: SRK makes a U-turn, claims he never said India is intolerant

Here are some of the choicest tweets that added to the din:

Ab ki Baar #BoycottDangal @aamir_khan murdabad.. pic.twitter.com/ge0OvRI46T

— Sourish Mukherjee (@sourishVHP) January 26, 2016

Honestly, it was disheartening when he said, India intolerant. I just exercised my democratic right not to watch a movie!! #BoycottDangal

— a.$hu€la (@Aks1008) January 26, 2016

At times we are tolerant, at other times we are not. Whatever at this time, #BoycottDangal is for real. https://t.co/QYNzIRWkJg

— SudhirBharg (@sudhirbharg) January 26, 2016

#BoycottDangal Classic example of Taaare Zameeen Par.... Stars on Ground.... https://t.co/ltyTlvuw8D

— Jaykumar Shah (@shahjaykumar) January 26, 2016

On the occasion of #RepublicDay lets #BoycottDangal for our National Honour, Respect, Pride & Security pic.twitter.com/touKNgkpba

— Hindustani (@mproudindian) January 26, 2016

When a film is releasing apologies pour in. Only money matters (In)tolerance etc doesn't. Nature of the business #BoycottDangal

— Siva Kanchibhotla (@kanchivsk) January 26, 2016

#BoycottDangal dilwale flop dangal superflop

— Sharat Sharma (@sharatsharma42) January 26, 2016

We will make sure dangal will be ur last likh KR lelo #BoycottDangal @aamir_khan

— Jai hind (@tolrentBhartiya) January 26, 2016

Why to watch ones movy who says india is not safe to live at globl level,but will release his movie in india 4 bussinss, bc👊😡.#BoycottDangal

— AtharvA SamanT (@atharva_aussie) January 26, 2016

Someone even made a ‘This is Mr Khan’ meme, on the lines of the viral ‘This is Bill’ meme!

This is @aamir_khan #intolerance #BoycottDangal #RepublicDay #aamirKhan pic.twitter.com/8QwIqxCuiz

— Tapri Talk (@TapriTalk) January 26, 2016

When election was going on in Bihar @aamir_khan found #INDIA intolerant, now movie gonna release he finds it tolerant #BoycottDangal

— Being Deshbhakht (@TechieGuy_12) January 26, 2016

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First Published: Jan 26, 2016 10:12 IST