Shiv Sena Minister Criticises Aamir Khan Over Third Marriage, Backs Nitesh Rane's Remarks

Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Monday targeted Bollywood actor Aamir Khan over his recent third marriage, becoming the second minister in the state government to do so after BJP leader and minister Nitesh Rane .

Addressing reporters, Shirsat backed Rane's earlier comments and said public figures carry a responsibility because their actions influence millions of people. According to him, celebrities are often viewed as role models, and their personal decisions can shape public perceptions.

Shirsat said Rane was "correct to an extent" in raising concerns about Khan's marriage. "When people follow you as an actor, they consider you a big star. If such a star gets married not once, not twice, but three times , what will people learn from him?" he asked.

The Shiv Sena leader went on to claim that Khan could become a "brand ambassador of love jihad" , while asserting that such actions would not help him remain in the hearts of ordinary people. He also supported Rane's view that society should think about the message conveyed when influential personalities make major personal choices that attract public attention.

Earlier, Rane had questioned whether Khan's latest marriage should be seen as an example of "love jihad" . The term is used by some right-wing organisations to describe an alleged campaign in which Muslim men target women from other faiths for marriage and conversion to Islam. The claim remains politically contentious and has been widely debated in public and legal spheres.

Khan married wellness and beauty industry professional Gauri Spratt in an intimate ceremony at his Pali Hill residence in Mumbai's Bandra on July 5 . The actor was previously married to Reena Dutta from 1986 to 2002 and filmmaker Kiran Rao from 2005 to 2021 . The latest remarks have added to the political debate surrounding the actor's personal life and marriage decisions.