Aamir Khan didn’t just reshape Hindi cinema with socially driven films — he also shook the country with his television show Satyamev Jayate. Airing between 2012 and 2014, the talk show tackled some of
India’s most uncomfortable truths, from female foeticide and child sexual abuse to casteism, dowry, rape, and LGBTQ+ rights. The impact was immediate and widespread, sparking conversations in living rooms across the country. But that impact also came at a cost.
‘His episode On female Infanticide Angered A Lot Of Folks’
Actor Imran Khan, Aamir’s nephew, recently revealed that the show invited serious backlash from those who felt threatened by its message. Speaking on Unfiltered by Samdish, Imran said the anger went beyond online outrage.
“I have known Aamir my whole life. I have a base level of faith and trust that the choices he makes and the things he chooses to attach his time and energy to are made in good faith and with honesty,” Imran said.
He then added, “His episode on female infanticide angered a lot of folks who issued death threats.”
‘They Have Been Trying To Scare Him Away From The Country’
Imran explained that such reactions were not isolated incidents, but part of a larger pattern of intimidation.
“Mamu jaan bechare ko desh se bhagane ki koshish kar rahe hain kab se,” he said, translating to many people trying to scare Aamir Khan out of India for years.
Reflecting on the fear such threats are meant to instil, Imran added, “That is also part of the learning. It is part of an important message that we are all meant to learn: ‘Keep your head down. Zyada bolne ka nahi. Na teri ghar aa jayenge, aur ghar ko jalayenge.’ (Don’t talk too much. Otherwise, we’ll come to your house and burn it down).”
According to him, these experiences reveal how dissent is often discouraged through fear rather than debate.
Imran Khan On Discrimination Beyond The Industry
The conversation also turned personal when Imran spoke about the challenges he faces outside cinema. He revealed that finding a house in Mumbai is often difficult due to both his profession and his identity.
“For me, there’s an added layer of weirdness. Sometimes people don’t want film professionals in their building. I am a Muslim, even though I don’t identify as one (and an actor as well),” he said.
He admitted that such biases make everyday living harder for people who fall outside perceived norms.
Looking Ahead
Imran Khan, who has largely stayed away from acting for nearly a decade, is now preparing for a comeback with Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, directed by Vir Das. Meanwhile, his reflections serve as a reminder of the real-world consequences that come with speaking truth to power — even when it’s done through art and television.
