Aamir Khan Says Pahalgam Attackers Aren't Muslims: ‘They Fired After Asking Religion'

News18

8 hours ago

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Aamir Khan has finally responded to criticism over his delayed reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, saying 'I don't consider those terrorists Muslims.'
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has finally addressed the criticism surrounding the timing of his response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that claimed several innocent lives on April 22. The actor's official statement condemning the attack came more than a week after several other members of the film industry had already spoken out. Now, in a candid conversation with India TV, the actor has opened up about why he responded late — and the emotional toll the incident took on him.
Calling the attack 'cruel" and 'cowardly," 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?"
He further clarified that while the public might not have seen an immediate social media post from him, it wasn't because he lacked concern. 'I'm not on social media. People react instantly to these events there," he explained, adding that he had addressed the matter at an event shortly after it occurred.
'That was an attack not only on our nation, but also on our unity. They've already got a befitting response from our country," said Aamir, referring to India's retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan.
Responding to allegations that his statement was timed with the promotional cycle of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir offered a calm yet firm rebuttal. 'If I speak about our forces delivering a befitting response, then am I doing something wrong? Should I think about the film or about our forces at that time? If I keep quiet just because my film is about to release, I feel that's wrong. So I spoke about it openly."
He further explained that the trailer launch of Sitaare Zameen Par, which took place merely 12 hours after his statement, was a coincidence and not a calculated PR move. 'The trailer was supposed to release much earlier. I cancelled it because of the attack on our nation. I even cancelled the premiere of Andaz Apna Apna that day," he said. The 1994 cult comedy was re-released in theatres on April 25.
The actor admitted that the tragedy had left him shaken. 'Like every Indian's, there was a lot of anger and pain in my heart too. In fact, I was so depressed I didn't step out of home for days," he revealed.
On the topic of patriotism, which Aamir says has been deeply woven into his cinematic work for decades, he pointed to his filmography as proof of his love for the country. 'My patriotism reflects in my work. Watch Rang De Basanti, Lagaan, Sarfarosh. I don't think any other actor has done more patriotic films than I have."
He fondly recalled a compliment from veteran actor Manoj Kumar, who was famously called 'Bharat Kumar" for his nationalist roles. 'Manoj ji told me, 'If there's someone who's a patriot and doing something for the nation in the generation after mine, it's you.' He'd seen my films," Aamir shared.
Facing years of trolling and social media backlash — especially before the release of Laal Singh Chaddha, which some believe affected its box office numbers — Aamir said he remains undeterred but introspective.
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.
Despite the controversies and the criticism, Aamir Khan remains one of Bollywood's most thoughtful voices, often choosing reflection over reaction. His latest remarks are another reminder of the complex space that celebrities occupy in an era of instant outrage and social scrutiny.
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