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The Indian Armed Forces’ Operation Sindoor, a precise retaliatory strike on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has been hailed as a bold response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. While the nation rallied behind its soldiers, with political leaders, celebrities, and citizens voicing unwavering support, the silence of Bollywood’s biggest superstars—Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan—has sparked intense debate and polarized public sentiment.
A Nation in Solidarity, Yet Silence from the Icons
Operation Sindoor, executed with surgical precision, destroyed key terror infrastructures, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad bases, earning praise for its strategic execution and the Indian Army’s bravery. Celebrities like Anupam Kher, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Shahid Kapoor took to social media to laud the armed forces, with posts ranging from heartfelt tributes to patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “India never forgets.” However, the absence of any public statement from Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Hrithik—often regarded as Bollywood’s most influential figures—has not gone unnoticed.
Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with reactions. Posts criticized the quartet for their silence, with some users questioning their patriotism and others calling for boycotts. “Not a single post on Operation Sindoor by any of the Khans or Hrithik 🤬,” wrote one user, while another remarked, “Their silence said it all #ceasefire #IndiaPakistanWar.” The backlash intensified when Salman Khan briefly posted about the India-Pakistan ceasefire on May 11, tweeting, “Thank God for the ceasefire…,” only to delete it after netizens slammed him for ignoring the Pahalgam attack and the Army’s efforts.
Aamir Khan’s Delayed Response Fuels Controversy
Aamir Khan, known for his socially conscious films, faced particular scrutiny. On May 12, five days after Operation Sindoor, Aamir Khan Productions shared a post on X: “Salute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Heartfelt gratitude to our armed forces for their courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the security of our nation. Thank you to the Honourable Prime Minister for his leadership and determination. Jai Hind.” However, the timing—hours before the trailer launch of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par—drew accusations of opportunism. Netizens flooded comment sections with remarks like, “Too late, Dangal wale sir,” and “Where were you till now? You came when the boycott started.”
Aamir had previously addressed the Pahalgam attack at an ABP event on May 6, stating, “We need justice and assurance that it [terrorist attacks] won’t happen again. We believe in our government, they’ll take action against the anti-social elements.” While this showed some engagement, his delayed response to Operation Sindoor itself left many fans disappointed, with some suggesting his silence was a calculated move to avoid alienating his global fanbase.
Why the Silence?
The silence of Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Hrithik could stem from several factors. As cultural icons with massive followings in India and abroad, including Pakistan and the Middle East, their statements carry significant weight. A public stance on a politically charged issue like Operation Sindoor risks polarizing their diverse audience. “They know no harm will be done to their business interests by Indian nationalists. They don’t care,” one X user speculated, pointing to their substantial investments in Gulf countries.
Moreover, the stars may be wary of communal undertones in the criticism. Some social media posts have framed their silence as a betrayal, with remarks tinged with bias, particularly for the Khans given their Muslim identities. Hrithik, while not facing the same religious scrutiny, may also be cautious due to his high-profile status and past controversies. “It’s frustrating that their contributions to Indian cinema and society are often overlooked, and instead, they face unwarranted criticism,” noted a report on M9.news, highlighting the unfair expectation for these stars to constantly prove their loyalty.
Another perspective is that silence does not equate to indifference. The quartet may have chosen to support the armed forces privately or felt that public statements could be misconstrued in a tense climate. Preity Zinta, during an AMA session on X, addressed her co-stars’ silence diplomatically: “I cannot speak for everyone else as people process things differently. Being a fauji kid, these things hit close to my heart, so I am very vocal.” Her fans, however, were quick to name Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Hrithik in the comments, underscoring the public’s expectations.
The Role of Celebrities in National Discourse
The controversy has ignited a broader conversation about the role of celebrities in politically fraught times. While stars like Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, and Riteish Deshmukh actively supported Operation Sindoor, the silence of Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Hrithik has been juxtaposed with their past patriotic roles in films like Pathaan, Tiger, Dangal, and War. “They make millions from patriotic films but stay mute when it’s time to show real loyalty,” one netizen remarked, reflecting a sentiment that celebrities bear a responsibility to amplify national unity.
Conversely, defenders argue that expecting mandatory public statements is unfair. “A social media post is no responsibility; it’s an easy, cheap way out for keyboard warriors,” a Reddit user commented. The stars’ silence could be a strategic choice to avoid escalating tensions, especially given the bans on Pakistani artists like Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in India post-Pahalgam.
A Divided Public and an Ongoing Debate
As India navigates the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and a fragile ceasefire, the silence of Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan remains a lightning rod. While some view it as a betrayal, others see it as a prudent decision in a polarized climate. The debate underscores the immense pressure on public figures to align with national sentiment, even as their silence sparks louder conversations than words might have.
For now, Bollywood’s biggest stars remain tight-lipped, leaving fans and critics to speculate on their motives. Whether they choose to speak or maintain their silence, their influence ensures that their actions—or lack thereof—will continue to shape public discourse.
