Internet questions Bollywood Khans' silence over genocide in Gaza

The Bollywood superstars, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, often referred to as the "Three Khans," have remained conspicuously silent on the ongoing genocide in Palestine by Israel, while celebrities around the world, including Indian stars, have expressed solidarity with Gaza.

Several global figures have voiced their support for Palestine while others have chosen to remain silent on the plight of Gaza.

However, this silence has led to calls for prominent figures like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan to use their platforms to advocate for Palestine.

These three Bollywood celebrities boast a global fanbase, but they have refrained from openly speaking up against Israeli atrocities in the Gaza strip.

The stardom of these celebrities carries the heavy burden of intense scrutiny from the Sanghis (right-wing Hindu nationalists). Their silence can be attributed, at least in part, to the fear of backlash from Hindu extremists, some of whom even resort to death threats.

Shah Rukh Khan's recent films, Pathaan and Jawan, which carried political commentary on communal politics sparked an uproar among right-wing Hindu groups.

Similarly, Aamir Khan faced calls for a boycott of his 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha from some Hindu nationalist groups.

Despite recognising Palestine in 1950, India has historically been pro-Palestine in its foreign policy, recognising the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) in 1974.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, India established formal relations with Tel Aviv in 1992. However, India's foreign policy has become markedly pro-Israel since Narendra Modi strengthened his control over public discourse by fostering xenophobia towards Muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities.

Narendra Modi was the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel in 2017, and Benjamin Netanyahu reciprocated by visiting India in 2018. Modi was also among the first leaders to condemn Hamas’ October 7 attacks.

Since Israel escalated its assault on Rafah, people across the world have made desperate calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Many Indian celebrities shared the viral "All Eyes on Rafah" template to highlight Israeli atrocities. 

However, pro-Hindutva individuals have criticised these celebrities, often drawing illogical comparisons between alleged violent incidents against Hindus and the major destruction in Gaza by Zionists.

Amidst the stifling political climate in India, it has become extremely difficult to express one's views on certain issues, with the threat of violence from extremists backed by the state looming large. 

Nonetheless, many global celebrities have made statements through subtle expressions despite these challenges.

There is a growing movement urging powerful figures to speak out against injustices. Despite mounting calls for expressing solidarity with Gaza, the Bollywood Khans have remained noticeably quiet.