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Calls for boycotts, enthusiasm, and a humorous allusion to an old meme that has been on the Indian Internet since the beginning of time have all been made in response to Aamir Khan’s most recent film appearance, “Sitaare Zameen Par.” The catchy vocalist Abhijeet Bhattacharya is connected to the offensive meme that has made it into the next Aamir Khan Productions film. Indeed, the same vocalist who brought us Bollywood hits like “Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha,” “Suno Na Suno,” “Chand Taare,” “Mere Khayalo Ki Malika,” “Baadshah O Baadshah,” “Tauba Tumhare Ishare,” “Husn Hai Suhana,” and “Tan Tana Tan,” among many more songs.

What is the meme and what is Bhattacharya doing in “Sitaare Zameen Par”?

Zameen Par Sitaare

For those who are unaware, “Sitaare Zameen Par,” in which Aamir Khan plays a key role, is a “spiritual” sequel to the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, which chronicled the daily life of Ishan Awasthi, who has an undiagnosed form of dyslexia, and the ridicule and alienation that consume his existence until he is noticed by Ram Shankar Nikumbh, a substitute art teacher at a boarding school. In contrast, “Sitaare Zameen Par” tells the story of a basketball coach who, after a string of incidents in his life, is ordered by the court to teach a team of players with intellectual disabilities.

On May 12, the “Sitaare Zameen Par” teaser was released on YouTube, and it is already generating a lot of buzz there. As of this writing, the trailer, which was posted on Aamir Khan’s channel “Aamir Khan Talkies,” has received over 5 crore views and largely favorable comments beneath its now-viral three-and-a-half-minute length.

In response to Khan’s decision to include real people with actual impairments on the big screen, the fans have come together to support the perfectionist and thank him for providing them with the much-needed representation they lack in a culture that mostly ignores them. Parents are writing touching messages for the actor, who is delighted to share a motivating story in theaters because of the film’s healthy content.

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder has been made for my daughter. This kind of film is very motivating for parents like us. God has my sincere gratitude for entrusting me with the care of my angelic daughter. I appreciate you raising awareness and attention to this issue, Amir sir. A user said, “A child is not disabled; they are simply unique and very special.”

The clip simultaneously made me laugh and weep since my kid is on the autistic spectrum. Another added, “I hope this film raises some awareness and respect for kids and people with special needs. Best wishes, (sic).”

Meme of Abhijeet Bhattacharya

Additionally, the trailer revived a direct insult directed at singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, which has been a pop cultural phenomenon over the years and is brought to life whenever the singer makes a provocative comment or expresses a strong viewpoint.

The YouTube remark, which was typed by a person going by the moniker “Archit Arya,” praises the singer’s vocal abilities while simultaneously criticizing him.

“Abhijeet Bhattacharya ji, par aadmi suar ho, aapki voice mein bahut sadgi hai.” “There is a simplicity in your voice, Abhijeet Bhattacharya Ji, but as a person you are a pig,” is how the statement is loosely translated.

Reddit

The movie’s background has given the praise, which is laced with a biting insult, a twist. “Aap coach bahut achche ho, lekin aadmi suar ho” means that while you are a skilled coach, you are a pig as a person.

(Go to 0:46.)

Increases in Google Search

Indians immediately Googled the “suar” comment after seeing the meme mentioned in passing in the “Sitaare Zameen Par” trailer.

(Trends on Google)

Demands a Boycott

Some people on social media brought up Aamir Khan’s trip to Turkey during the 2020 epidemic, when the actor went there to film parts of “Laal Singh Chaddha.” Khan had a meeting with First Lady Emine Erdogan when she was there.

After Turkey openly backed Pakistan when the Indian Armed Forces launched a series of missile attacks on terror facilities in Pakistan and the PoK as part of “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, Indians have taken a firm stand against Turkey. A few weeks after 26 defenseless tourists were slain in Pahalgam on April 22, India retaliated.

The Plagiarism Debate

The striking resemblance between “Sitaare Zameen Par” and “Champions” was immediately noted by social media users on “X,” who referred to Khan’s film as a “frame-by-frame” replica of the latter.

The Hollywood version of the Spanish film Campeones, “Champions,” starring Woody Harrelson.

2018 saw the publication of “Campeones,” and 2023 saw the release of “Champions.”

“Sitaare Zameen Par,” directed by Aamir Khan, will be released on June 20 of next month.