Recently, Dangal actress Zaira Wasim was alleged molested mid-air, which created a huge uproar in the country. People have come out in support of 17-year-old actress. Now, her co-star Aamir Khan has also spoken about the molestation in the film industry. The actor feels that the issue is directly linked to patriarchy. The actor talks about the sexual harassment issue in the film industry during an interview with the leading news portal Times Now. Scroll down to read the highlights of his interview.
When asked about the Harvey Weinstein case, Aamir said, “I think sexual harassment is a very sad thing to happen to anyone, irrespective of what your sex is. Sexual harassment is just not on”.
The actor further said that it happens in other areas too. Talking about the same, he said, “I understand that people are free to be romantically involved with whoever they want. But you cannot pressure a person into being with you physically. It happens not only in films but in all walks of life and is very unfortunate,”
The actor feels that sexual harassment can’t be seen as a separate issue, as it depends on patriarchal thinking. He said, “It is connected to the larger issue. Not only in India but all over the world, (it is) this thinking of patriarchy that men are stronger or are more important that leads to various kind of things. Sexual harassment is one of them,”
Dangal actor feels that the creative personalities can play a bigger role in curving down the issue. He further added, “Creative people do have a role to play in showcasing men and women in a manner that influences people in the right way. I do believe we have some sort of responsibility in that,”
There are several films, which focuses on the women empowerment issues. Films like Dangal and Secret Superstar are the best example of how a film can change the thinking process of the society. The actor has also highlighted some of the issues faced by women in India through his TV show Satyamev Jayate. The actor is hoping that things would change in future for the women.
He said, “When we look at women’s issues, it is not just about female foeticide and domestic violence, which are huge issues. But even in day-to-day life, women sometimes find that they are not in the possession of their own decisions. She may still be with a man who wants to control her and that is equally disturbing. It is really about the fundamental independence of a person, irrespective of your sex.”
Aamir Khan is known for creating his own path and trendsetter in Bollywood. The actor never hesitates to experiment, when it comes to movies. His latest film Secret Superstar is not a movie, which would earn big at the box office. Despite that, Aamir felt pretty strong about the film. Fortunately, the movie did wonders at the box office in India. The movie also did good business in Taiwan.
Aamir Khan Starrer Dangal was one of the biggest hits in China this year. The actor is now looking forward to the release of his latest film Secret Superstar in the country. The movie will release in China sometimes in January or February next year.
Talking about Secret Superstar, Aamir said, “Secret Superstar has done really well in all the territories. I strongly felt about the story and I am happy that the audiences felt the same. It is most reassuring.”
When asked about how he selects films, Aamir Khan said:
“When I am selecting a film, I am not thinking about the box office or the audiences’ reaction. I am reacting to it personally. When I get a script and love it as a person, it touches me and moves me, makes me laugh and cry or excites me, then I want to be a part of it.”
He further added,
“For me, filmmaking is a journey. In most of the cases, the films I end up choosing are very risky. I don’t plan it that way but it turns out that way. My taste is a little unusual and I get excited about stuff which is not considered mainstream by the market.”
