Social media users accuse actor of using national tragedy for film promotion; trailer launched hours after controversial post
Aamir Khan has landed in controversy once again—this time for the timing of a social media post made by his production house, just hours before the trailer release of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par. On May 13, the X (formerly Twitter) handle of Aamir Khan Productions posted a message saluting the armed forces for their bravery during Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation conducted in retaliation to a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
The post read, “Salute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Heartfelt gratitude to our armed forces for their courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the security of our nation. Thank you to the Honourable Prime Minister for his leadership and determination. Jai Hind.”
The tribute came just ahead of the much-anticipated trailer launch of Sitaare Zameen Par, sparking a wave of criticism online. Several users accused the actor and his team of leveraging a sensitive national issue to gain publicity for the film.
One user commented, “Kucha jada jaldi nahi kar di post? (Haven’t you posted too early)?” Others were more scathing, dragging not only Aamir but also fellow actors Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Saif Ali Khan into the debate. One post alleged, “They earn their money here in India but at the time of adversity they want to show how intellectual they are… Probably they are also under the illusion about 72 virgins.”
Another user remarked, “Bahut jldi yaad aayi? Movie release ki date ko 10-20 saal aage bda do, fayde m rhoge. Wrna public itna pelegi k jaisi laal singh ki chaddi pili hue thi,” referencing Aamir’s earlier film Laal Singh Chaddha, which faced its own share of boycotts and poor box office performance.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent times, which took place on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Twenty-six civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in the Baisaran Valley, prompting India to carry out precision strikes on terror hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
While several Bollywood celebrities had already publicly expressed their support for the armed forces and condemned the attack, Aamir Khan had remained silent—until this sudden tribute on trailer day, which many viewed as calculated rather than heartfelt.
The controversy threatens to overshadow the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, a film that already carries high expectations following the success of Aamir’s earlier emotionally charged film Taare Zameen Par. The trailer may have dropped, but public perception is now split between admiration for the film and skepticism over its promotional timing.
Sources By Agencies
