Dont torch it, Aamir & Saif!

Should Aamir Khan and Saif Ali Khan boycott the Olympics over the Tibetan issue? A divided Bollywood reacts...

By: Subhash K Jha

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As the Olympic torch continues its contentious journey around the world, with its scheduled arrival in New Delhi on August 17, a debate is still raging over the ethics of supporting the Olympics.

With the Tibet issue simmering, activists have ensured that the Games have become a platform for their political agenda. Aamir Khan and Saif Ali Khan seem to be caught in the midst of a furore as they are scheduled to run with the torch in the capital. While both actors have affirmed they will carry the torch, Bollywood seems divided over the issue.

Javed Akhtar: "We should most certainly not boycott the Olympics. It doesn't matter where it is being held. Sports should be kept away from politics. I remember how ugly it seemed when after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan President Jimmy Carter asked for the Americans to boycott the 1980 Olympics. It made the US look so ugly. We most definitely don't want to repeat the mistake of mixing the pleasure of sports with the pain of politics. By all means, let's protest about the atrocities against the Tibetans. But the Olympics isn't the place for it."

Aditya Pancholi: No I don't think they should boycott the Olympics.

Farhan Akhtar: "It is for them to decide. I can't comment on what they should do on this issue."

Rituparno Ghosh: "No, why should they give up the chance to bring glory to our country? Carrying the Olympian torch is no small honour. I feel we're constantly making our celebrities answerable for their individual choices. But why should Aamir and Saif allow politics to come in the way an international sporting event?

Kalpana Lajmi: "Yes, both Aamir and Saif if invited to China for the Olympics must boycott the games as a mark of protest against the Tibetan issue."

Anant Mahadevan: "I don't think this is just an issue to do with Aamir, Saif or Steven Spielberg. Is the Olympics being used as a platform to highlight the Chinese apathy towards Tibet? Let's not single out Aamir or Saif who have the privilege of carrying the Olympics torch as symbol of sportsmanship and not as a support to China's actions in Tibet. When will politics stop impinging on sports? Or have reached a stage where politics will spell the death knell for sports and entertainment?

Pooja Bedi: "Though I'm inclined to separate politics from sports I think the plight of the Tibetans should be a matter of great concern to the entire world. Olympics is about unity, peace and education. We need to show our contempt for the Chinese action. Boycotting the Olympics or refusing to carry the torch definitely makes our concerns heard loud and clear."

Lilette Dubey: "The government needs to take a stand on the Tibetan issue. These two actors do not represent the government and have no political agenda. Of course, if they feel strongly on the issue they should do what their conscience tells them.

Govind Nihalani: It should be left entirely to Aamir and Saif's individual decision.

Anupam Kher: The Tibetan cause is extremely just and must be given full attention. But the Olympics is an international sports event. The best of the field come together in a chosen country every four years. It's important to celebrate the Olympics with dignity. I see nothing wrong in Aamir and Saif supporting it.

Sonu Sood: Yes, I think Aamir and Saif should boycott the Olympics. The game seems much too political this time because of where it's being held. It's better that they stay away. The Olympics are no longer a sport. It has become something else.

Rohit Roy: The Olympics are taking place in China. Asking people not to carry the torch will have no bearing on the plight of the Tibetans or on the game. I feel sports and politics should be kept apart. Bhaichung's decision is a personal one, and I respect that. But Aamir and Saif should definitely not boycott the Olympics. It's an honour for them and for us.

Vinay Pathak: I don't think a boycott would be in the Olympian spirit, would it? Instead why not use that huge platform to address the Tibetan issue? I feel that would be more positive and constructive.

Aftab Shivdasani: I'm with the Tibetans. My heart goes out to them. As we talk about them now they're losing their lives for something as fundamental as freedom.

Irrfan Khan: "Yes, they should boycott the Olympics. I would if I had the chance."

Vipul Shah: "I think we all need to fight against what's happening in Tibet."

Imtiaz Ali: "Yes, they should boycott the games."

Prakash Jha: "Yes, they should."

I can't believe when the high profile writers and celebrities says that politics and games are different!....POlitics and Sports are always intertwined with each other!.....So most of the poeple on the top thinks that Sports is more important than human lives??? We are not against any games...but we don't have any other platform to voice our anguish and pain!!..Time is running out for Tibet and if not now...then..we won't get any chance!...God! wake up Indian celebrities!..Just don't always think about your selfishness!..God..has gave them the power to educate the common people and they are still thinking about other stuffs such as power, fame and money!!!....may god bless them!...

hum what a difference of opinions, i personaly think that they should boycot it

I agree with u!! but even if they can't boycott olympics...they shouldn't run at all...because the "Torch" is tainted with blood of many tibetans who have lost their lives under chinese regime!...No Torch Through Tibet!!!