The Silence of the Khans

khans

The Khans of Bollywood; Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, are more than just cinematic icons; they are socio-cultural idols whose appeal transcends regional, linguistic, and religious divides. With decades of box office dominance, immense wealth, and global recognition, they hold a unique place in India’s socio-cultural fabric. Yet, their notable silence on critical socio-political issues has sparked growing disappointment and debate.

From mob lynchings and divisive rhetoric to systemic injustices and the erosion of democratic principles, India faces pressing challenges. The Khans’ decision to stay silent, even on a significant event like the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, leader who redefined India’s economic trajectory and was truly the global Indian, has only amplified questions about their reluctance to engage with national issues.

Why the Silence?

Fear of Backlash

Despite their vast fortunes, which collectively run into hundreds of millions of dollars, the Khans appear cautious about the financial repercussions of voicing opinions. Each of them has diversified investments spanning production houses, luxury properties, and global endorsements, placing them among the wealthiest actors in the world.

Yet, their films and brands remain vulnerable to boycotts and smear campaigns, often orchestrated by extremist groups. Cancel culture, magnified by social media, threatens not only individual projects but entire careers. While such risks are real, the question remains: shouldn’t individuals of their stature and financial security be able to withstand such pressures and use their influence for broader societal benefit?

Lack of Moral Responsibility

In the past, particularly during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era, the Bollywood in general were more vocal about issues like corruption and price hikes. Their willingness to engage with societal concerns signalled a connection with the pulse of the nation. However, under the current regime, their engagement has significantly diminished.

This selective participation has disappointed audiences who once viewed the Khans as not just entertainers but as individuals capable of reflecting the conscience of the nation. Their silence on issues impacting marginalized communities, democratic freedoms, and human rights dilutes their perceived authenticity and diminishes their ability to inspire meaningful dialogue.

Fear of Retaliation

Another plausible reason for their reticence is the fear of governmental retaliation. The Khans’ financial interests are deeply interwoven with India’s regulatory and economic frameworks, leaving them potentially vulnerable to scrutiny or coercion. Past instances, such as tax raids on prominent figures and controversies like the Panama Papers, involving Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan lend some credence to this and it suggests that even the wealthiest are not immune to pressure.

Proxy Pressures and Institutional Threats

Another plausible reason for their silence could be the indirect threats and pressures exerted through government proxies and systemic intimidation. Instances involving Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan highlight the potentially orchestrated nature of such actions.

For Shah Rukh Khan, the arrest of his son Aryan Khan on alleged drug possession charges by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) became a highly publicized episode. Sameer Wankhede, the investigating officer in the case, was later exposed for dubious conduct and alleged extortion schemes, as revealed by jailed NCP leader Nawab Malik.

Similarly, Salman Khan is facing overt threats linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, a jailed gangster and alleged terrorist operating with alarming impunity from within the confines of Gujarat’s prison. Bishnoi, who has publicly expressed hostility towards Salman, has been implicated in coordinated attempts to intimidate the actor, including daylight threats. The government’s apparent inability or unwillingness to curb such activities shows their tacit complicity or a deliberate strategy to keep them in check.

These cases suggest a broader pattern of using institutional power and proxy elements to create a climate of fear. Such pressures serve to silence dissent or discourage them to engage with contentious socio-political issues which put government under negative light. For individuals like the Khans, who remain under constant public scrutiny, the stakes are particularly high, further complicating their decisions to speak out. This atmosphere of intimidation can stifle any influential voice, creating a culture, where self-prevention trumps moral courage.

On the other hand, the Khans’ silence is particularly striking when compared with global celebrities who frequently leverage their platforms to advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights. Hollywood figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, and Meryl Streep are celebrated for using their influence to inspire action and ignite conversations about critical issues.

Bollywood and the Khans in particular, operate within a uniquely complex socio-political environment. While the risks are undoubtedly higher, so too is the need for figures of such influence to act as sources of motivation and hope. The Khans, with their unparalleled reach, have the potential to subtly guide public sentiment and spark societal introspection.

As the most prominent faces of Indian cinema, the Khans hold a unique place in the nation’s socio-cultural identity. Their influence extends far beyond entertainment, offering them the potential to inspire resilience and integrity. However, their continued silence risks portraying them as detached from the society that made them icons, raising questions about whether they prioritize personal safety and economic interests over leaving a legacy of courage and inspiration.

In a polarized nation grappling with systemic injustice, the erosion of democratic norms, and social divisions, the Khans’ reluctance to engage denies their audience a vital source of encouragement. True legacy is built not just on stardom but on the ability to motivate others to believe in principles of fairness, empathy, and justice.


The Khans must now reflect: Will they allow fear to define their silence, or will they rise to the occasion and use their unparalleled platform to inspire a nation? Their immense wealth, fame, and influence afford them the rare opportunity to ignite change, not through confrontation, but through quiet courage and a commitment to the values they represent.

The nation watches, not for their performances on screen, but for the moments where they choose to stand or remain seated on the side of right.

Dr Mohammed Faizan is a member of All India Professionals’ Congress

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