Aamir Khan recalls turning down Underworld invite: ‘Yes, I was afraid’

In the turbulent 1990s, when the Bollywood-underworld nexus made headlines, actor Aamir Khan chose to walk a path of quiet resistance. 

In a candid conversation with Lallantop, the superstar shared a moment from his past when he refused an invitation from underworld figures to attend a party in Dubai.

Standing His Ground

According to HT, Aamir revealed that while he never received direct threats, he was approached on set by individuals linked to the underworld. They requested almost insisted that he attend a gathering in Dubai. Despite the pressure, he declined. 

“Main apni zindagi jaise jee raha hoon waise hi jeena chahta hoon,” Aamir told his concerned parents at the time. He admitted to being afraid, especially with two young children and elderly parents worried about his safety.

He added, "They tried very hard, saying they’d pay me whatever I wanted, or help me with any work I needed done. I said I still wouldn’t come. 

Then they changed their tone and said, “Now, you have to come because it has been announced there and it’s become a matter of prestige.’ That was the last meeting we had. I told them, ‘You’ve been meeting me for over a month now and I’ve told you from the start that I won’t come. I still won’t come. Lekin aap bahut takatwar log hain, aap jis din chahe aa sakte hain, chahe mujhe peetiye ya sar pe maariye, haath pair bandh ke kahin bhi le jaaiye (But you are very powerful people. If you want, you can come anytime beat me up, hit me on the head, tie me up and take me wherever you want). You can take me forcibly, but I will not willingly go."

No Further Contact

Interestingly, after he turned them down, he was never contacted again. The decision, though risky, didn’t escalate into any further confrontation perhaps a testament to his quiet but firm stand.

On the Work Front

Aamir is currently basking in the success of Sitaare Zameen Par, which has crossed Rs 100 crore in India and Rs 160 crore globally. He is also producing Lahore 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and starring Sunny Deol, with an ensemble cast including Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi.