Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has firmly denied allegations that his 2014 film PK promoted “love jihad” or was anti-religious. Speaking in an interview with India TV, Khan emphasized that such claims are baseless and misinterpret the film’s message.
“These accusations are completely unfounded,” he said. “We never intended to target any religion. We respect every faith and its followers. PK was about cautioning people against those who misuse religion to deceive and exploit financially — and such individuals exist across all religions.”
The film sparked controversy for its critical portrayal of organized religion and a subplot involving a Hindu woman falling in love with a Pakistani Muslim man. Critics accused it of promoting the contentious “love jihad” narrative, which alleges Muslim men marry non-Muslim women to convert them.
Refuting this, Aamir stated, “When people from different religions fall in love and marry, it’s not ‘love jihad.’ It’s simply humanity transcending religion.” Highlighting his own family, he questioned whether the marriages of his sisters Farhat and Nikhat, and his daughter Ira—to Hindu men—would be labeled “love jihad.” Aamir himself has been married twice to Hindu women, Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao.
Addressing his children’s Muslim surnames, Aamir clarified, “Their names were chosen by their mothers. I didn’t interfere. Usually, husbands don’t have much say in such matters.” Ira’s name was inspired by Maneka Gandhi’s The Penguin Book of Hindu Names, and Azad was named after Maulana Azad, Aamir’s ancestor and India’s first Education Minister.
Professionally, Aamir Khan’s next film, Sitaare Zameen Par, co-starring Genelia D'Souza and directed by RS Prasanna, is set to release on June 20.
Source: NDTV
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