Jaipal Reddy comes out in support of Aamir Khan

HYDERABAD: Attacking detractors of Aamir Khan over his remarks on alleged growing intolerance in the country, senior Congress leader S Jaipal Reddy today said the actor need not issue a clarification defending himself since he has carved a niche by playing "patriotic roles" in films.

The former Union minister criticised the BJP for blasting the Bollywood superstar over his comments.

"Aamir Khan need not issue clarification, as he has carved a unique niche for himself by playing patriotic and constructive roles in his films," Reddy said.

Aamir is at the centre of a raging debate after he expressed "alarm and despondency" over the rise in incidents of intolerance in the last six to eight months at a media interaction in Delhi on Monday.

"Kiran (his wife) and I have lived all our life in India. For the first time, she said, should we move out of India...She fears for her child, she fears about what the atmosphere around us will be," Aamir had said.

The actor's remarks drew sharp reactions from the BJP and sections in the film industry, while few have come out in support of him.

Aamir also supported those returning their awards, saying one of the ways for creative people to express their dissatisfaction or disappointment is to return their awards.

He said he also feels that the sense of insecurity and fear has been growing in the past six or eight months.

Lauding Aamir's wife Kiran Rao, Reddy said he admires her for expressing her honest disgust over the "prevailing climate of intolerance" in the country.

Recalling comments of Jnanpith award winner from Karnataka late U R Anantha Murthy against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Reddy claimed the feelings of Kiran Rao are "natural".

"Every liberal should laud Mrs Aamir Khan's courage of conviction," he added.