June 15, 2025 – Mumbai
In a recent interview, Bollywood megastar Aamir Khan shared long-awaited details about the absence of his 2016 blockbuster Dangal from Pakistani cinemas. The actor-producer revealed that the film was deliberately not released in Pakistan after he refused a specific request made by Pakistani authorities: to remove scenes featuring the Indian national flag and anthem.
🇮🇳 The Scene in Question
The film, based on the life of Indian wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita, features an emotional and patriotic climax. In the final scenes, Geeta Phogat wins a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games while the Indian flag is raised and the national anthem plays in the background. These elements form the emotional and narrative climax of the story.
According to Aamir, Pakistani censors asked for these patriotic elements to be edited out, claiming they might be politically sensitive. However, Aamir firmly declined, stating:
“Those scenes are not just background elements — they are the heart of the film. Removing them would compromise the soul of Dangal.”
🎥 A Matter of Principle
Rather than modifying the film to secure its release across the border, Aamir made a conscious decision to pull the film entirely from the Pakistani market. He emphasized that art should not be compromised for commercial gain, and some decisions, though difficult, must reflect the creator’s core values and national pride.
“If a filmmaker does not stand by the truth of his story, then what’s the point of storytelling? I respect all cultures and audiences, but not at the cost of my film’s essence,” Aamir added.
🌍 International Success Despite Regional Restrictions
Despite not being released in Pakistan, Dangal went on to become one of the highest-grossing Indian films globally, earning over â‚ą2,000 crore worldwide. It received widespread acclaim for its powerful performances, particularly from newcomers Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra, and for its inspirational message about female empowerment in sports.
Interestingly, the film achieved blockbuster status in China, where it connected deeply with audiences and sparked conversations around gender equality and family.
đź’¬ Public Reactions
The revelation sparked mixed reactions on social media:
- Some Pakistani fans expressed regret that the film never reached cinemas in their country.
- Others supported Aamir’s stance, praising his commitment to preserving artistic integrity.
- A few voices questioned whether mutual cultural exchange should allow for respectful compromise — a debate that continues to echo across South Asian film forums.
🎠The Bigger Picture
This incident brings to light the delicate balance between art, politics, and nationalism in cross-border entertainment. While films have the power to unite audiences across cultures, the creative freedoms of filmmakers are often challenged by geopolitical sensitivities.
Aamir Khan’s decision serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that come with influence and creativity. By choosing not to alter Dangal, he sent a strong message: patriotism and artistic truth are non-negotiable.
đź“Ś Final Thoughts
Nine years after its release, Dangal remains a cinematic milestone not just for its box-office success, but for the values it stood for — both on-screen and off. Aamir Khan’s revelation only strengthens its legacy as a film that didn’t just break records — it also stood its ground when it mattered most.