Entertainment

Aamir Khan Reflects on the ‘Power of Namaste’: Discusses Cultural Appreciation and Respect

This is Aamir Khan’s debut appearance on Kapil Sharma’s show. Several incidents from the actor’s performing career were featured in the most recent episode of Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show. When filming Dangal (2016) in a Punjabi village, he also expressed gratitude for the people’s humility and claimed to have learned the importance of ‘namaste’ from them.

‘People in Punjab have so much respect for everyone’

“This is a story that is very close to me,” Aamir remarked in Hindi. I had a great time shooting in Punjab for Rang de Basanti. Love is abundant in Punjabi culture and its people. Thus, we were filming in a little village when we went for the Dangal shoot. We spent almost two months filming in that house and at that location. You won’t believe it, but whenever my car pulled up at 5 or 6 in the morning, folks would stand outside their houses and greet me with “Sat Sri Akaal” and folded hands. Before, they would simply wait to greet me. They never made any noise, never pulled over my car—nothing. They would once again be standing outside their houses when I returned after packing up and would say, “Good night.”

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As a Muslim, Aamir said he was not accustomed to shaking hands and saying “namaste” to strangers. He said, “I’m from a Muslim family, so I’m not used to saying ‘namaste.'” I’m accustomed to bending my head and raising my hand in the Muslim greeting, adaab. Having spent two and a half months in Punjab, I realized the significance of ‘namaste.’ It’s such a beautiful feeling. Anyone in Punjab does not discriminate against anyone based on their status and treats everyone with such respect.”