New Delhi: During a 2015 interview on growing intolerance in the country, actor Aamir Khan and his then-wife Kiran Rao’s comments on India being unsafe caused a national firestorm. Years later, that conversation has resurfaced, this time due to minute-long promotional video on India’s upcoming 2027 Census featuring the actor.
In the video, shared by Census India 2027 on X, Khan highlights the role of self-enumeration, presenting it as a simpler and more effective way for people to contribute to the process. He talks about how participation in the census will help the process of policy-making in the right direction. He adds how the census is not merely as a government exercise but a shared civic duty.
Khan’s video was intended to encourage public participation and awareness regarding the upcoming census exercise. But after the clip surfaced online, people started questioning the choice of actor as the face of the campaign. People dug out his old interview, arguing that someone who had once expressed concerns about safety in living in the country should not now represent the government’s initiative, especially the census.
“Amir Khan?? For creating awareness on census?? He feared to live in India and even move out of India to find a safer place,” an X user wrote.
“Disappointed ! This man is not worthy to be the brand ambassador of any government scheme,” another said.
One user added: “An Anti Indian like Aamir should not be part of this campaign he should be removed”
“Amir Khan is the worst possible brand ambassador you guys could have selected for Census in India. He actively campaigned against India,” posted one X user sharing the clip of Khan’s infamous interview.
While others suggested a “pro-India” actor would have been a more suitable choice.
“Why take this actor man! Can’t create your own ecosystem? Anyone pro India could have been better,” one user said.
“Tell him to go and promote the Turkey and Pakistan Census. Through his movies, he has always sold hatred/made fun of indian citizens (PK, Fanaa, Lal Singh Chaddha, Rang de basanti etc.)” another commented.
The 16th census of India began on 1 April and will continue till September 2026. With the Population Enumeration phase scheduled for February 2027.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)