Hindsight is six by six. Yet the reason to look back and analyse the Aamir Khan episode is to outline lessons learned and recommendations for the future.

While in the West it isn’t unusual for artistes and celebrities to wear their politics on their sleeve, amongst an increasingly apolitical and even amoral Indian elite, most do not hesitate to support soft causes but assume the position of neutrality for controversial issues such as the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP). The problem with political neutrality, however, is that while it appears a balanced and fair stance on the surface, it is just as self-interested and value-laden as any other. Not having (publicly declared) principles and ideals, after all, nicely exempts one from the burden of having to defend them. In view of this reality, then, that Aamir has had the courage and integrity to speak up for a cause — any cause — is nothing less than admirable. Those accusing him of drawing attention away from the real issue and trying instead to build his own image — “Look, People, I’m also a real life hero” — perhaps underestimate the degree of personal and professional risk involved.

The concern raised by many, nonetheless, is how pragmatic it is for celebrities of Aamir’s stature to brazenly brandish their ideological leanings, considering two points. On the one hand, even though celebrities air their political views in their personal capacity, it is their professional allies who also bear the brunt of backlash. Put another way, how fair is it to allow innocent colleagues to be held guilty by association, considering not only time and cost but also the ethical implications? A case in point is the Yash Raj banner’s Fanaa that has had to face the political music in Gujarat simply because the star of their movie is not just any actor but the defiant Citizen Khan. On the other hand, despite half-baked knowledge and experience with the subject, celebrities hugely influence public opinion because of their star status and recklessly skew the trajectory of public intellectual debate.

... contd.