Mumbai: Actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan on Monday called himself a Marathi and warned people against politicians who he said were dividing the country on the basis of region and culture.
Aamir was asked if he considered Marathi people were lucky for him as two of his films had the contribution of Maharashtrians and were India’s official entry for Oscars: Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and Taare Zameen Par, whose script was written by Amole Gupte.
He replied: "I am a Marathi. I am born and brought up in Maharashtra. I am lucky for myself." Aamir cautioned people to stay away from the political leaders who try to divide the country on the basis of religion, caste or community.
He made the statement while responding to a question on the recent controversy between Maharashtra Navnirman leader Raj Thackeray and actress and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan.
"People should stay away from politicians and leaders who try to divide the masses on the basis of religion, caste or community,” said Aamir.
"It is harmful to the country and does no good to anyone. Any leader who tries to divide people on that line does that for his own personal gain and people should understand his intentions and stay away from him.”
Without naming any political party leader, Aamir said, "I always tell my friends and myself that we have to be alert and keep off politicians who try to divide us on the basis of language, religion, caste. We have to support leaders who are progressive and positive and who bring people closer."
Aamir was addressing a press conference on his film Taare Zameen Par’s selection as the Indian official entry to the Oscars.
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