Kabir Khan upset on Bollywood's 'demonising' portrayals of Mughal rulers

Khan said that he cannot respect movies that demonise the Mughals, whom he described as the 'original nation-builders'

Bollywood's ace director, Kabir Khan, who has helmed films such as Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kabul Express, My Name is Khan to name a few, has recently expressed his disappointment over how Mughal rulers are portrayed in the Indian pop culture.

The director said that he cannot respect movies that demonise the Mughals, whom he described as the 'original nation-builders'. He said that it's highly problematic and disturbing that filmmakers just go with the popular narrative rather than basing their film on research.

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, the filmmaker shared, "I find it hugely problematic and disturbing because what really makes me upset is that it's being done just to go with the popular narrative. I can understand when a filmmaker has researched something and a filmmaker wants to make a point... Of course, there can be different viewpoints. If you want to demonise the Mughals, please base it on some research and make us understand why; why they were the villains that you think they were. Because if you do some research and read history, it's very tough to understand why they have to be villainised."

He went on to add, "I think they were the original nation-builders, and to write them off and say they murdered people... But what are you basing it on? Please point out the historical evidence. Please have an open debate, just don't go with the narrative that you think will be popular."

Khan then concluded by saying, "It's the easiest thing today, demonising the Mughals and various other Muslim rulers that India had at different points in its history. Trying to fit them into preconceived stereotypes, is distressing. I cannot respect those films, unfortunately. That's my personal opinion, of course, I can't speak for larger audiences, but I definitely get upset by that kind of portrayals."

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