New Delhi: Actor Aamir Khan has never shied away from speaking his mind, and that honesty has often placed him at the centre of controversy. In a recent interview, his nephew and actor Imran Khan recalled a disturbing phase when Aamir allegedly received death threats, not for a film, but for hosting a socially driven television show.
During a conversation on Unfiltered with Samdish, Imran reflected on the intense backlash Aamir faced while hosting Satyamev Jayate. He explained that he has grown up watching his uncle make choices guided by conviction rather than convenience. According to Imran, that commitment often came at a cost.
Aamir Khan got death threats for his show Satyamev Jayate
“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 revealed how one particular episode triggered extreme reactions. “His episode on female infanticide angered a lot of folks who issued death threats.”
Satyamev Jayate, which aired between 2012 and 2014, featured Aamir addressing deeply rooted social issues across 25 episodes. Each instalment brought survivors, activists and public figures together to discuss subjects often avoided on mainstream television. Topics ranged from female foeticide and child sexual abuse to honour killings, domestic violence, untouchability and discrimination. The show also tackled conversations around alternative sexualities, toxic masculinity, alcoholism and the criminalisation of politics.
Imran added that controversy has followed Aamir for years, regardless of intent. Speaking with a mix of irony and affection, he joked, “Mamu jaan bechare ko desh se bhagane ki koshish kar rahe hain kab se (They’ve been trying for a long time to force poor Mamu jaan to flee the country).”
On the film front
Despite the backlash, Aamir has continued to choose projects that reflect his values. He was last seen in his home production Sitaare Zameen Par, a prequel to Taare Zameen Par. The film performed moderately well at the box office, earning over Rs 250 crore worldwide. He also appeared in a cameo role in Happy Patel, the directorial debut of Vir Das, which marked Imran Khan’s return to acting after nearly a decade. The trio had earlier collaborated on Delhi Belly in 2012.