Why Aamir Khan met Turkish President? Actor addresses controversial photo after Turkey supports Pakistan. 'Galat baat hai'
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has finally spoken out about the backlash surrounding his past meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan. The controversy, which reignited following Turkey's reported support to Pakistan during its conflict with India under Operation Sindoor, has sparked public outrage, with growing calls to boycott Turkish goods and tourism. In an appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, Khan addressed these concerns in a conversation with journalist Rajat Sharma, expressing deep regret over the situation and aligning himself with national sentiment.
Khan Denounces Turkey's Stance
Responding to questions on Turkey's alleged support to Pakistan through the supply of drones, Khan did not mince words. He firmly stated, 'Turkey ne bahut galat kiya (Turkey has done the wrong thing), and every Indian is hurt.' He recalled that when Turkey was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2023, it was India that promptly extended humanitarian aid. He emphasised that neither he nor the Indian government anticipated Turkey's later geopolitical decisions, which are now seen as antagonistic to Indian interests.
Context Behind Controversial Photos
Khan addressed the resurfaced photos of his meetings with Turkish leadership, offering clarification on the timing and circumstances. He stated that his meeting with President Erdogan occurred in 2017, a time when diplomatic relations between India and Turkey were still stable. The widely circulated image with First Lady Emine Erdogan, believed by many to be from 2020 during the filming of Laal Singh Chaddha, was, according to Khan, taken even earlier.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
He said his role as a public figure and informal cultural ambassador often requires him to respond to diplomatic invitations, and added, 'When someone tells me that you will come for tea, it does not feel right for me to say no.'
Support for Boycott Campaign
The actor voiced support for the nationwide boycott of Turkish goods and travel. He said he understood why citizens were upset and backed their decision, stating, 'They are doing the right thing. We must not support a country that is siding with those who attack us.' Khan described Turkey's recent stance as a betrayal, especially given India's assistance during their time of need. He reiterated, 'Bahut hi galat baat hai.'
Khan was clear in distancing himself from any political narrative, stressing that his actions were not politically motivated and that he now views those past meetings in a different light due to shifting geopolitical realities. Throughout the interview, he maintained that his allegiance lies firmly with India and its people.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
16 minutes ago
- NDTV
Indian Students In Iran Being Moved To Safer Places As Conflict Deepens
Some Indian students in Iran were being relocated to "safer places" within the country, the government said in a statement early Monday, stressing that "other feasible options" were also being examined. The development comes as Israel and Iran continue to trade missiles, with neither side showing any sign of backing down. "The Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety. In some cases, students are being relocated with the Embassy's facilitation to safer places within Iran. Other feasible options are also under examination," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. It comes hours after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding students from the Union Territory stuck in Iran. More than 1,500 Indian students, most of them from Jammu and Kashmir, are stranded in Iran. The parents have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and S Jaishankar to intervene and facilitate the safe return of the Indian students. The majority of the students stranded in Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom cities of Iran are pursuing professional courses, primarily MBBS. Earlier, the Indian embassy in Iran asked all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to remain vigilant, and also provided a Google form on its X account, asking the Indian citizens to fill it out to provide their details. "Please remember, it is important not to panic, exercise due caution and maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran," it said. It also provided a Telegram Link and asked the Indian citizens to join it to receive updates on the situation from the mission. Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" with a surprise attack on Friday morning that wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command and damaged its nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with air strikes, with both countries launching hundreds of missiles at each other in the last three days. While Israel has said the campaign will continue to escalate in the coming days, Iran has vowed to "open the gates of hell" in retaliation.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
What Vanessa Bryant chose to wear on father's day speaks louder than words
(Image Source - Getty Images) Vanessa Bryant didn't need a caption this Father's Day. One glance at her Instagram Story, and the message was crystal clear. On her finger gleamed Kobe Bryant 's legendary $4 million 'apology ring,' an 8-carat purple diamond born from a stormy chapter in their lives. Nearly twenty years later, it's still there—shining, enduring, and silently honoring the love that outlived everything else. A silent symbol from 2003 that still dominates every special day Nearly twenty years back, Kobe Bryant subtly established a strong vibe in his marriage. In July 2003—only a few days after confessing to infidelity and dealing with sexual assault allegations—the Lakers icon ordered an 8-carat emerald-cut purple diamond from Rafinity, a jeweler in Santa Monica. Valued at about $4 million, the ring was delivered three days after the charges were made public, which led to it being dubbed the 'apology ring'. The ring made a public appearance not long ago, during Vanessa's trip to Disneyland. In an Instagram Story posted with her friend Ciara, Vanessa discreetly showcased the purple gem—its luxury standing out against the festive setting and grabbing immediate attention. Yet, it's more than just a glamorous piece; it symbolizes something profound: a deeply personal token of forgiveness, sacrifice, and lasting bond—even five years after Kobe's heartbreaking passing in 2020. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Found THIS Chat on Her Husband's Phone and Vanished Overnight medalmerit Learn More Undo Ever since, the ring has been a reliable staple. It's significant enough to be included in retrospectives of the most costly celebrity rings, listed next to icons such as Meghan Markle's ring and Beyoncé's stunning jewel. Naturally colored sources also highlight its rarity — a true 8-carat purple (or purplish-pink) diamond, appraised at about $4 million. Acquired in the midst of a crisis, the ring served as a message at that time—a call for forgiveness and a mark of unity. Kobe's remarks back then underscored that emotion — "You're my backbone…you're the strongest person I know," he expressed to Vanessa during a press conference while dealing with his legal challenges. Fast-forward to Father's Day in 2025, and Vanessa's choice to don it again—alongside her daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri—clearly indicates that Kobe's legacy, and their relationship, continue to thrive. This Father's Day, Vanessa Bryant chose not to share a quote or tribute—she let her ring speak for itself. That stunning 8-carat, $4-million purple diamond is more than just an heirloom; it embodies memories, forgiveness, and everlasting love. Also Read: Magic Johnson walked away with just $40 million and what he did next changed everything Whether in happy times or more serious ones, it serves as a sparkling reminder: for Vanessa, Kobe remains by her side, his essence captured in the ring she'll probably continue to wear.
India Today
24 minutes ago
- India Today
Amid Israel-Iran conflict, India balances ties with both nations carefully
India finds itself in a delicate position as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, given its close but distinct strategic relationships with both countries. Top government sources told India Today that India's military ties with Israel and Iran are shaped by its core national interests - primarily defence, energy security and regional stability. With the conflict showing no signs of easing, India is carefully navigating its position, focusing on diplomacy and strategic autonomy to safeguard its long-term defence relationship with Israel has grown steadily over the years. Israel is now one of India's top defence suppliers, providing drones, radar systems and missile defence technologies such as the Barak-8. Both countries also collaborate on counter-terrorism, joint military exercises and defence innovation, making Israel a critical partner in India's national security contrast, India's relationship with Iran is largely shaped by historical and cultural ties and its role in India's energy and trade security. The Chabahar port, developed with Indian investment, serves as a vital link for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, circumventing Pakistan. Although direct military cooperation is limited, India and Iran have engaged in joint efforts on maritime security and anti-piracy operations in the region. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran presents a complex foreign policy challenge for India. The Indian government has called for restraint from both sides and pushed for diplomatic engagement. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken to his counterparts in both Israel and Iran, conveying global concerns and stressing the urgency of returning to the dialogue broader approach is driven by its policy of strategic autonomy - ensuring balanced relations with both countries without being drawn into regional conflicts. Stability in West Asia is crucial for India, especially given its reliance on Iranian oil and the threat to its economic interests from prolonged its neutral stance, India has distanced itself from a recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation statement that criticised Israel's military operations against Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated India's consistent call for dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region. This posture underscores India's effort to uphold neutrality while preserving its partnerships and regional InMust Watch
