Bollywood Was Forced to Say 'Padosi Mulk' Instead Of Pakistan Before 1998: Aamir Khan's Big Claims

Aamir Khan revealed that before 1998, the Censor Board prohibited filmmakers from directly naming Pakistan in films, forcing them to use 'Padosi Mulk,' (neighbouring country) with 1999's Sarfarosh being the first film to break the trend.

'Padosi Mulk' Was Code for Pakistan

Speaking to Rajat Sharma in the iconic show Aap Ki Adalat, he said Sarfarosh was the first movie to directly call out Pakistan and the ISI. "Until then filmmakers were asked to say 'Padosi Mulk'. We were not allowed till then to take the name of Pakistan or the ISI...I asked why we can't take. When Advaniji can take the name in the Parliament why cant we tell we tell the world that Pakistan and the ISI are spreading terrors in our country."

That argument, he claimed, helped get approval for Sarfarosh to name Pakistan directly, setting a new precedent for the industry.

Viral Video

A video clip of Aamir Khan's statement has gone viral on social media sites. One user reminded the actor that JP Nadda's Border had mentioned the name of pakistan. "By the way Border movie was released on 13th June 1997. And it has expressly called 'Pakistan' and not just 'Padosi Mulk.'" the user added.

Giving credit to the then BJP government for its policy, the second user commented, "Before 1998, calling out Pakistan as a terror sponsor in films was literally censored - reduced to vague terms like "Padosi Mulk." Sarfarosh (1999) broke that silence, thanks to a bold shift under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A true turning point in cinematic and national narrative!"

Hailing him for openly admitting the truth, the third user said, "🤯👀 BOMBSHELL REVELATION! 🚨 Aamir Khan exposes Censor Board's past! 😱 "Padosi Mulk" instead of "Pakistan" in films pre-1998. 🙄 Sarfarosh (1999) broke the mold under PM Vajpayee's era! 🇮🇳👏 A new era of cinematic honesty began! 🎥👍 Kudos to Aamir Khan for sharing this insight!"

The fourth user commented, "He sounds more honest than half of the opposition in our country."

A netizen claimed, "Enter 1999, and finally, Sarfarosh boldly tore off the muzzle under PM Vajpayee's leadership. A cinematic battle cry against terrorism! Salute to those who dared to speak up when others whispered. In Bharat, we shine a light on lies and stand fearless against terror sponsors. Wake up and smell the hypocrisy! India FIRST always!"

Aamir also shared a strong stance he took during the release of Dangal. According to him, Pakistani censors had demanded the removal of scenes showing the Indian tricolour and the national anthem. Without hesitation, Aamir refused.

"Disney told me to cut those scenes if we wanted a Pakistan release. I didn't even take a second. I said no. If you ask me to remove our flag and anthem, I don't want your business. Mujhe woh dhandha chahiye hi nahin."

Aamir Khan On China & Turkey

When asked about his popularity in China, Aamir said, "Yes, they love my films there. Secret Superstar and Dangal both did well, but my biggest earnings still came from India."

When Rajat Sharma teased, "You don't look like a Chinese. Today people are asking, you went to Turkey, China also supported Pakistan and you are a big star there?"

Aamir replied, "Ab main kya karoon? At that time, we had good relations with China."

He clarified that the Chinese government had awarded him a title called "National Treasure of India," not China. "Even they agree I belong to India," he quipped.

Aamir also addressed the backlash over his past meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the First Lady.

"Turkey ne bahut galat kiya (Turkey did very wrong), and every Indian is hurt. When I met them, I didn't know they would supply drones to Pakistan. We helped them during their earthquake crisis in 2023, and this is how they responded? Yeh galat hua hai."

He defended the meetings, saying, "As a celebrity, I represent India abroad. If someone invites me for tea, I can't refuse. But now, after what they've done, I support the boycott. Turkey shouldn't be supported. Bahut hi galat baat hai."