PremiumDr. Kafeel Khan writes to Shah Rukh Khan about Jawan: I was profoundly moved by...
Many have drawn parallels between Dr. Kafeel Khan and Sanya Malhotra's character in director Atlee's blockbuster Jawan.
Last Updated: 07.04 PM, Oct 05, 2023
After watching Shah Rukh Khan's blockbuster film Jawan, Dr. Kafeel Khan has penned an emotional letter to the actor. Dr. Khan expressed his gratitude over the portrayal of the Gorakhpur encephalitis tragedy in the film, making comparisons between the story of the movie and the tragic event that occurred.
For the uninitiated, Sanya Malhotra plays Dr. Eeram Khan in Jawan, who works tirelessly to address the urgent oxygen supply problem that plagues a government hospital. Tragically, 63 children passed away after not receiving oxygen cylinders in time. Her character's journey, however, takes an interesting and dramatic turn when she is falsely accused of ignoring her responsibilities by the government and is subsequently imprisoned. This incident has been compared to the tragic real-life events involving Dr. Kafeel Khan at the Gorakhpur Hospital.
Dr. Kafeel Khan's message for SRK
After watching the film, Dr. Kafeel Khan shared a message for SRK on X/Twitter. His tweet read, “I felt compelled to convey my deep appreciation for your extraordinary commitment to using cinema as a means to address critical socio-political issues. The movie's poignant portrayal of the tragic Gorakhpur encephalitis incident has left an indelible mark on my heart. As someone who has had a personal connection with the incident and its aftermath, I was profoundly moved by your decision to bring this story to the screen.”
“While I understand that "Jawan" is a work of fiction, the parallels it draws to the Gorakhpur tragedy serve as a powerful reminder of the systemic failures, apathy, and, most importantly, the innocent lives lost. It underscores the urgent need for accountability within our healthcare system. The character portrayed by @sanyamalhotra07 ( as Dr Eeram Khan ) although not directly referencing me, encapsulated the experiences I faced. It was heartening to witness the real culprit of "The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy" got caught, though sadly in real life the real culprits are roaming free, me still struggling to get my job back, and those 63 parents who lost their little ones still waiting for justice,” he added.
About Jawan
Jawan was released in theatres on September 7. The film is directed by Atlee and stars Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Ridhi Dogra, Lehar Khan, Girija Oak, Sunil Grover, and Sanjeeta Bhattacharya in pivotal roles.