Actor Imran Khan has revealed that his uncle, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, received death threats during the time he was hosting the socially driven TV show

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Imran Khan Reveals Aamir Khan Faced Death Threats Over Satyameva Jayate

Written byTimes India
Imran Khan Reveals Aamir Khan Faced Death Threats Over Satyameva Jayate
Actor Imran Khan has revealed that his uncle, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, received death threats during the time he was hosting the socially driven TV show Satyameva Jayate. According to Imran, the backlash was so intense that some people even tried to force Aamir to leave the country because of the issues he highlighted on the show.

Speaking in a recent interview, Imran Khan said that Satyameva Jayate was not just a television programme but a bold attempt to show uncomfortable truths about Indian society. The show addressed topics such as female foeticide, domestic violence, child abuse, medical malpractice, honour killings, and corruption, which angered many groups.

 “Unhe Desh Se Bhagane Ki Koshish Hui”

Imran shared that Aamir Khan faced severe opposition when the show aired.

“Unhe desh se bhagane ki koshish hui. He got death threats,” Imran said, recalling the difficult time his uncle went through.

He added that people often underestimate the risks involved in speaking truth to power, especially when the topics challenge social norms and long-standing beliefs. While the show was widely praised by viewers, it also attracted strong resistance from those who felt exposed or uncomfortable.

 Why Satyameva Jayate Was Controversial

Satyameva Jayate, which aired between 2012 and 2014, was one of India’s first mainstream television shows to openly discuss deep social problems. Hosted and produced by Aamir Khan, the show combined real-life stories, expert opinions, and emotional narratives to spark public awareness.

However, the very honesty that made the show popular also made it controversial. Some groups accused Aamir Khan of:

  • Showing India in a negative light
  • Targeting specific communities or professions
  • Interfering in sensitive social and cultural matters

Imran said the criticism went far beyond disagreement and entered the space of intimidation and threats, which deeply affected the family.

Aamir Khan’s Courage, Says Imran

Imran Khan praised Aamir for continuing the show despite the pressure.

“It takes courage to stand by your beliefs when you are being threatened,” Imran said.

According to him, Aamir understood that social change is never easy and that meaningful conversations often invite anger before acceptance. Despite the threats, Aamir chose to continue the show, believing that it was important to give a voice to victims and unheard communities.

 Celebrity Voices and Public Responsibility

The revelation has once again brought attention to the risks faced by public figures who speak on social issues. Celebrities in India enjoy massive influence, but that influence also comes with scrutiny and backlash when opinions clash with public sentiment.

Imran pointed out that actors are often told to “stick to acting” and avoid social commentary. But he believes that silence is also a choice, and sometimes, a harmful one.

“If you have a platform and you don’t use it responsibly, that’s also a decision,” he said.

 Impact of Satyameva Jayate

Despite the controversies, Satyameva Jayate had a huge impact:

  • It encouraged public debate on taboo topics
  • It led to policy discussions in some states
  • It inspired NGOs and activists
  • Many viewers said it changed their thinking and behaviour

The show received widespread appreciation from teachers, doctors, students, and social workers, even as Aamir faced hostility from certain sections.

Social Media Reaction

After Imran’s statement, social media users reacted strongly. Many praised Aamir Khan for his bravery and honesty, while others pointed out how dangerous it has become to express uncomfortable truths in public.

Comments like “Speaking the truth shouldn’t cost someone their life” and “This shows why many stay silent” flooded social platforms.

Imran Khan’s revelation about the death threats faced by Aamir Khan during Satyameva Jayate offers a sobering look at the cost of social activism, even for a powerful celebrity. It highlights how truth-telling can invite hostility, but also how courage can leave a lasting impact.

While the show may no longer be on air, its message continues to resonate  reminding people that change often begins with difficult conversations, and those who start them sometimes pay a heavy price.