Things won't change unless we redefine what it means to be a man, says Aamir Khan

The Women in the world summit founded by famed editor, journalist and author Tina Brown, will see some of the most influential people in the world, including Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton this year. Joining the list of these prominent figures, Indian actor Aamir Khan spoke to Iraqi-American humanitarian Zainab Salbi about the women’s issues in India, on the opening night of the summit.

Aamir Khan, who is also the maker and host of ‘Satyamev Jayate,’ a show that addresses various social evils of the Indian society, discussed with Salbi the impact his show has had on people. He said that since the first episode of the show aired, where female feticide was talked about, the sex-ratio in Maharashtra and Rajasthan has improved to an extent, adding that reaching out to the people on an emotional level helped.

Talking about the issue of dowry, Khan told the audience that about 90-95% of the people living in India have either taken or given dowry and attacking their age-old customs will require putting out the message with love. He also said that the fact that the show has been so well-received goes on to prove that India is aware of its issues and is ready for change.

Aamir Khan on 'Satyamev Jayate'
Picture By: IndiaTV News

While jokingly mentioning a group of men who ‘hate him,’ Aamir mentioned a topic his team picked up in their last season: Masculinity. He said, “Unless we re-look at and hopefully refine ‘what a man is,’ things are not going to change… Is a real man someone who goes and beats up people? Is a real man someone who is a protector? I strongly feel that from the time a child is born, you have to treat both the children equally- whether a girl or boy.”

According to a report by the New York Times, he also discussed how men in India are expected to be emotionally strong and not cry, something he admits doing, proudly. “I cry all the time, not only on all my show’s episodes, but also when I am researching it,” said Aamir.

New York Times>