Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Kabir Khan: Mughals were the original nation-builders

Kabir Khan: Mughals were the original nation-builders

Bollywood filmmaker Kabir Khan, whose filmography includes such notable films as New York (2009), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), has said that he finds it “problematic and disturbing” that there are films being made which demonise Mughals, adding that Mughals were the “original nation-builders”.

Talking to an entertainment portal, Khan said, “I find it hugely problematic and disturbing because what really makes me upset is that it is 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 is very tough to understand why they have to be villainized. 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.”


He went on to add, “It is 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 those kinds of portrayals.”

Kabir Khan is presently waiting for the release of his next directorial, ’83. The film, based on the Indian cricket team’s historic win against West Indies during the 1983 World Cup tournament, stars Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev. The sports drama was earlier set to release on April 10, 2020. However, the makers had to cancel the release due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.

More For You

Sweetmeats

Bush Theatre’s 'Sweetmeats' highlights diabetes risks in south Asian community through elder love story

Bush Theatre’s 'Sweetmeats' spotlights south Asian elders at high risk of diabetes in intimate new play

Highlights:

  • Sweetmeats previews at Bush Theatre from 7 February 2026, running until 21 March.
  • The play follows two south Asian elders navigating type-2 diabetes.
  • Shobu Kapoor and Rehan Sheikh star in the lead roles.
  • Co-produced by Bush Theatre and Tara Theatre, written by Karim Khan.
  • Tickets from £15, with concessions and accessible performances available.

Sweetmeats, a new play examining diabetes in south Asian communities, will have its world premiere at London’s Bush Theatre from 7 February 2026. Written by Karim Khan and directed by Tara Theatre’s Natasha Kathi-Chandra, the production follows Hema and Liaquat, two elders brought together on a diabetes support course. The play highlights both the health risks faced by south Asians and the rarely told stories of older characters on the British stage.

Sweetmeats Bush Theatre’s 'Sweetmeats' highlights diabetes risks in south Asian community through elder love story Bush Theatre’s 'Sweetmeats' highlights diabetes risks in south Asian community through elder love story

Keep ReadingShow less