Aamir Khan’s take on Marathi brigade: Shun leaders who seek to divide

Any film, whether Hindi, Marathi or Telugu, has a right to be released anywhere in the country”

Actor Aamir Khan on Sunday plunged unexpectedly into the Marathi manoos controversy, dismissing it as a non-issue and advising fans to shut out those seeking to “divide us on the basis of language or culture”.

The actor-turned-director made his political stand known at a press conference meant to celebrate the selection of Taare Zameen Par (TZP) as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards.

Without taking names, he said, “We should be wary of any politician who wants to divide us on the basis of language or culture. If a politician does that, then he’s not for the country but for himself... We should support leaders who are positive thinkers, who can bring people together, promote peace and brotherhood.”

He called himself a Marathi but struck a nationalistic chord: “Any film, be it Hindi, Tamil or Telugu, has a right to be released anywhere in the country, even in Maharashtra. It’s one country and this is a non-issue... We should respect all the languages and cultures of our country.”

On his film, Khan unveiled a massive campaign strategy aimed at helping TZP achieve what Lagaan and Rang De Basanti could not. On the agenda are screenings for Academy members in Los Angeles and New York, besides roping in the services of an LA-based PR company to create a media buzz.

“Since I’m the producer-director, it’s my responsibility to create awareness. We’ll advertise the film and tell members how TZP has played an important role in creating childcare awareness in our country. I’m sure the film will leave a strong impact on members; it will at least make them cry,” he said.

Khan is hoping his previous experience with the Oscars will help: “Maybe some of the jury members will give TZP more attention if they recognise me from my earlier films,” he said.

Yet, for all the hype, Khan claims that the golden statuette is not high among his priorities. “I don’t need an Oscar to tell me that my film is good. I make films for the audience; if they like a film then that’s my award. It’s just that international forums provide a platform for filmmakers to address a larger audience,” he said.

Asked whether he has put behind him Lagaan’s loss to No Man’s Land, Khan said that in his eyes Lagaan didn’t lose. “After the ceremony, about 40 members came up to me and told me that they were disappointed that Lagaan didn’t win since they had voted for it. It’s just that all five films that year were great. Lagaan didn’t lose.”

As to why an Indian film has not won an Oscar till now, Khan delivered a parting shot: “That’s because the other films are better.” He’ll be hoping to change that this time around....