Aamir Khan on AIB: Hypocrisy
I watched Aamir Khan speak about AIB Knockout. I liked how he defended their freedom of speech and at the same time said that it wasn’t his kind of a show so he didn’t watch it. (Which is how it should be—if it's not your cup of tea, don't watch it.) I also agree that while we cannot ban something because we do not like it, with freedom of expression, creative people also have a responsibility. And then he added that when he made Delhi Belly, he advertised that it had adult content and got an “A” certificate for the movie. That’s where I have a problem.
AIB also had a disclaimer and just like in case of Delhi Belly, anyone who watched a small clip/advertisement would know that it is for adult audiences.
Secondly, Aamir said he found the content to be too violent. The same man who "earned" crores by making Ghajini.
Third, as far as responsibility is concerned, there’s a song called “Bhag Bhag D K Bose” that was accessible not only to adults, but also kids that sang it happily without knowing what it meant.
Fourth, PK was not certified A, it was U/A which means it required parental guidance. Which means that kids can go to the movie with their parents, watch the “dancing cars” and ask their parents what that was about.
What AIB did—providing a platform to successful actors to laugh at themselves and not take themselves too seriously—was refreshing. Maybe it could’ve been better without the expletives and some unwarranted jokes on sensitive issues, but that was their decision. I don’t think they broke any laws. But like Aamir said, if they did, it’s for the judge to decide.
In my opinion, more than good, what Aamir said is going to do bad for AIB. Which is a shame. People listen to that man, they look up to him, and his opinion truly matters. I was disappointed on finding hypocrisy in his words.
