Aamir Khan in Standoff with CBFC Over Sitaare Zameen Par Edits: Michael Jackson, PM Modi Quote at Center

June 22, 2025 – Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is locked in a high-profile dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par. The CBFC has demanded specific edits, including replacing “Michael Jackson” with “Lovebirds” and “Business Woman” with “Business Person,” as well as adding a quote from PM Narendra Modi after the opening disclaimer. Khan, known for his commitment to creative integrity, has reportedly refused these changes, sparking a heated debate. NRIGlobe dives into the controversy and its implications for the NRI community.

What Sparked the Aamir Khan-CBFC Clash?

According to The Times of India, the CBFC’s Revising Committee reviewed Sitaare Zameen Par, a family drama starring Aamir Khan and Genelia D’Souza, and suggested two key modifications to secure a censor certificate. The demanded changes include:

• Dialogue Edits: Replace the phrase “Michael Jackson” with “Lovebirds” and “Business Woman” with “Business Person” in specific scenes.
• Mandatory Addition: Insert a quote from Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the film’s opening disclaimer.

Aamir Khan, who also produces the film under Aamir Khan Productions, believes these edits compromise the film’s context and narrative. Sources close to the project told The Times of India that Khan and director RS Prasanna crafted the film with care, arguing that the dialogues, when viewed in context, are “completely appropriate.” Khan has met with the CBFC Examining Committee to contest the cuts, but the censor certificate remains withheld, delaying the film’s release preparations.

Why These Specific Changes?

The CBFC’s rationale for the edits remains unclear, fueling speculation. Posts on X suggest the replacement of “Michael Jackson” with “Lovebirds” may aim to avoid cultural references deemed sensitive, while “Business Woman” to “Business Person” could reflect a push for gender-neutral language. The inclusion of a PM Modi quote has raised eyebrows, with some X users questioning if it’s a move to align the film with government messaging. One user wrote, “Aamir standing his ground against CBFC is bold, but why force a PM quote?”

The controversy has reignited discussions about creative freedom versus censorship. Sitaare Zameen Par, a thematic successor to Khan’s 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par, focuses on themes of inclusion, diversity, and disability representation. Critics argue that altering dialogues risks diluting its message, while supporters of CBFC’s stance claim the changes ensure broader acceptability.

Aamir Khan’s Bold Stand

Aamir Khan’s refusal to comply with CBFC’s demands has earned praise from fans and filmmakers. On X, users lauded his commitment to artistic vision, with one stating, “Aamir Khan standing his ground against the Censor Board is a bold move.” Khan’s history of challenging norms—seen in films like PK and Dangal—resonates with NRIs who value his global storytelling. “Aamir’s films speak to us overseas because they’re authentic. CBFC shouldn’t meddle,” said Priya Menon, an NRI in New York.

However, the standoff risks delaying Sitaare Zameen Par’s release, with advance bookings on hold until the censor certificate is issued. Khan is reportedly planning another meeting with CBFC to resolve the impasse.

Broader Implications for Bollywood

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between filmmakers and the CBFC, a recurring issue in Indian cinema. Recent cases, like the Animal (2023) controversy, underscore concerns about inconsistent censorship standards. For NRIs, this saga raises questions about how Indian films are shaped for global audiences. NRIGlobe encourages the diaspora to engage in this conversation, as censorship impacts the cultural narratives they share worldwide.

What’s Next for Sitaare Zameen Par?

As Aamir Khan navigates this deadlock, all eyes are on whether a compromise will be reached. The film, also starring Genelia D’Souza, promises to continue Khan’s legacy of socially impactful cinema. Stay tuned to NRIGlobe for updates on this developing story. Share your views on social media with #AamirVsCBFC and join the global NRI dialogue.

Keywords: Aamir Khan CBFC dispute, Sitaare Zameen Par censorship, Michael Jackson Lovebirds edit, PM Modi quote CBFC, Bollywood censorship 2025, NRI news, Aamir Khan films.

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