New Delhi: Reel life spilled over to real life when actor Aamir Khan donned the patriotic hues of basanti for the Narmada Bachao Andolan.
Aamir came out vocally in support of the Narmada dam activists and spoke passionately about "raising voices against anything disturbing", peppering his spontaneous discourse with words like "rehabilitation", "displacement" and "human rights" – a deja vu of his jingoistic portrayal in Rang De Basanti.
He also took a jab at the political forces who were trying to "bully" him for raising his voice for a cause.
"I want the nation to watch this very carefully. These netas are the people who promise to look after us, to take us ahead, to look after our poor and needy. They are using force, they are trying to bully (me)."
Aamir's real-life jingoism got him as much a go-ahead as his reel-life portrayal of DJ in Rang De... and elicited mixed response from the readers of ibnlive.com.
The readership was almost equally split about the Aamir's anything-for-a-cause song.
While some appreciated his stand with as much a gusto as they hailed Rang De..., others were cynical.
Jasmine wrote in saying, "It's great Aamir. For the first time in India after the era of freedom struggle, someone rich and famous has shown a spirit for India. India is looking for a mass-mover, but I fear if the political goonda will let him survive."
A more vocal Dane Dsouza gave the actor full marks. “Hey Aamir, we the youth of India will never let you down. We are with you. Hats off to Aamir Khan,” she said.
"It's good that at least some Bollywood celebrity is coming to help people. I think using his fame could led to encourage other actors," Varun wrote in.
A lot of them also appreciated the star's courage to take on the political bigwigs.
"Regardless of Aamir Khan's motives, one must appreciate his efforts. He has expressed concern as a citizen. Considering that he has taken on bigwigs, this is a commendable effort," Prahlad DN said.
But not many joined in the praise song. There was cautious optimism mixed with cynicism among many others.
"Why cannot the likes of him go and pitch in at the site and help the rehabilitation work like what Vivek Oberoi did to Tsunami victims in Chennai? It is the Indians pre ponderousness in making icons out of greasepaint makeovers," Jeevarathna wrote in.
There were other opinions that echoed Jeevarathna's. "It is unfortunate that Aamir Khan was trying to get some cheap publicity by taking a position on the dam issue. He had never articulated his view on any sensitive subject, leave alone the dam and he thought he will gain some popularity for himself with the sound byte, which has however boomeranged. He is now trying to portray a holier than thou attitude by trying to project the politicians in a negative way," Thyagu wrote.
A lot of them also felt Aamir was trying to take forward his Rang De image to score brownie points for his next release. “"You reap as you sow". Aamir has always tried to project himself as being more intelectual than his bollywood peers - perhaps in the image of a "desi Bono" or carrying forward the Rang De… image? He should continue to spend time on work that he is good at - films! If he is genuinely concerned for the down-trodden and wants to make a difference - he has no business getting upset with the reactions,” Sukuraman said.
So, while Aamir continues with his anything-for-a-cause song, it's yet to be seen if he will cut any ice with the discerning masses.
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