In the ever-dynamic Bollywood industry, where each day brings a new headline, the focus has once again shifted toward the profound issue of on-screen representation of women, sparked by a resurfacing video featuring one of India’s most respected actors, Aamir Khan. Known for his meticulous selection of roles and social awareness, Mr. Khan’s past admission of regret over song lyrics that objectified women has returned to the limelight following a pointed remark made by director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
The controversy began when Sandeep Reddy Vanga, fresh off the success of the Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna starrer ‘Animal,’ addressed the criticism his action drama was facing. Known for not shying away from vocal expression, Vanga commented on Aamir Khan’s former spouse Kiran Rao’s remarks concerning his earlier film, ‘Kabir Singh’, and countered by alluding to the problematic portrayal in Khan’s vintage film ‘Dil’.
It didn’t take long for a video to ripple through social media, reviving Khan’s previous public acknowledgment of guilt. The interview clip, originating from a sit-down with the widely-known Indian news outlet Aaj Tak, showcased Aamir Khan expressing remorse for his participation in songs like ‘Khambe jaisi khadi hai,’ which belittled women to mere objects, a sentiment not uncommon in early ’90s Bollywood soundtracks. Khan’s reflective statement underscored the influence of cinema and how it perpetuates the improper portrayal of genders, notably criticizing the way Hindi films normalize questionable behavior by depicting problematic acts leading to positive outcomes in the narrative.
As the video gained traction online, users began to question whether Vanga, whose works too have faced scrutiny for their depiction of women, would be willing to make a similar apology. The internet’s gaze turned toward an interaction where one user confronted the director on Twitter, referencing Khan’s apology and challenging Vanga to own up to his cinematic choices in the same vein.
Vanga’s response came during an interview with the Hindi publication Dainik Jagran, where he retorted by pointing out the vexing sequences in ‘Dil.’ He emphasized the incongruity of critiquing his works without reflecting on similar issues prevalent in earlier films, citing a near-assault scene in ‘Dil’ that controversially plays a part in the romantic realization of the female lead.
The recent discussions invoke an important conversation on the responsibility filmmakers hold in shaping societal norms and ethics. The reemergence of Aamir Khan’s apology signifies a shifting tide in Bollywood’s reckoning with its past and the call for creators to reassess and possibly atone for the social implications of their works.
Aside from the emerging dialogue around gender portrayal in Bollywood, Sandeep Reddy Vanga continues to celebrate the success of ‘Animal,’ a film exploring the complexities of modern-day relationships through the turbulent dynamics between a father and son. The film features heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor in a compelling dual role as Ranvijay and Aziz Haque, while veteran actor Anil Kapoor takes on the part of his father, Balbir Singh. Complementing the star power, Bobby Deol delivers a weighty performance in the role of Abrar Haque.
‘Animal’ has managed to captivate the audience with its intricate storytelling, though now its director finds himself amid a larger debate on cinematic integrity and cultural impact—a topic that remains nearly as engaging as the films themselves. Whether this would prompt a change in the narrative approach of filmmakers like Vanga or lead to further introspection within the industry is a story that continues to unfurl in the public eye.
