With Hollywood’s Harvey Weinstein scandal opening up a can of worms across the world, Aamir Khan had commented on the issue of sexual harassment as well. “I think sexual harassment is a very sad thing to happen to anyone, irrespective of what your sex is. Sexual harassment is just not on.” He continued, “I understand that people are free to be romantically involved with whoever they want. But you cannot pressure a person into being with you physically. It happens not only in films but in all walks of life and is very unfortunate.”
The actor-producer stated that actors have a responsibility as well, as he pointed out, “Creative people do have a role to play in showcasing men and women in a manner that influences people in the right way. I do believe we have some sort of responsibility in that.”
He is optimistic about the issue though, as he vouched, “I am hoping that things will change in the future for the better. It takes time both for the people and the society to change.”
RECOMMENDED READ: ACTRESS ZAIRA WASIM COMPLAINS OF IN-FLIGHT MOLESTATION
The problem of sexual harassment struck closer home, even though Aamir has not addressed the matter yet… His Dangal and Secret Superstar actress Zaira Wasim was the alleged victim of sexual harassment on a Delhi-Mumbai flight on Saturday. The alleged molester, a 39-year-old man, identified as Vikas Sachdev, a senior executive of a media and entertainment company, has been arrested and booked. The 17-year-old Wasim has accused Sachdev, who sat behind her on Air Vistara's flight to Mumbai, of keeping his feet on her armrest and running it over her back, neck and shoulders as she struggled to document the violation and draw the attention of the crew.
Ironically, Zaira’s recent film, Secret Superstar in which she co-starred with producer Aamir Khan, had delivered a strong pro-women’s rights message. It told the tale of Wasim’s character, who pursues her dream of becoming a singer, but then sets it aside to help rescue her mother from domestic abuse at the hands of her father.
