Dr. Kafeel Khan, who was arrested after the Gorakhpur Hospital tragedy, has written a letter to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressing his gratitude for featuring the 2017 Gorakhpur tragedy in his latest movie, Jawan. Dr. Khan was released on bail after nine months of imprisonment, and the court stated that there was no evidence against him that showcased medical negligence from his side.
In his letter, Dr. Khan expressed his deep appreciation for Shah Rukh Khan‘s extraordinary commitment to using cinema as a means to address critical socio-political issues. He also mentioned that he felt compelled to convey his gratitude after watching the movie Jawan, which draws parallels to the Gorakhpur deaths over which he was terminated. Dr. Khan said that the movie’s poignant portrayal of the tragic Gorakhpur Encephalitis incident has left an indelible mark on his heart.
Dr. Kafeel Khan’s letter to King Khan
Dr.Khan’s social media post reads, “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to obtain your email address, @iamsrk sir .
Consequently, I sent the letter by post, but that also showing in transit even after many days .Therefore posting it here 🙏🏾”
Following are the contents of the letter:
To
The Honourable Mr. Shah Rukh Khan
Indian actor and film producer
Mannat, Land’s End, Bandstand, Bandra (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400050.
From
Dr Kafeel Khan
Ex assistant Professor
BRD medical college, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh-273001
Dear Mr. SRK sir ,
I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I recently had the privilege of watching your latest film, “Jawan,” and 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.
On a personal note, I would like to share that I have authored a book titled “The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy,” originally published by @panmacmillan and available in more than six languages which provides a comprehensive first hand account of the tragedy and its aftermath. I believe that a part of the movie’s plot resonates with the events detailed in my book.
If given the opportunity, I would be immensely honored to meet you and the talented director @Atlee_dir , as well as other members of the film’s crew, to express my gratitude personally.
I also want to assure you that my sanctification, devotion, and determination towards serving my countrymen would continue undeterred.
Thank you once again for being a beacon of hope. I look forward to your kind reply.
Warmest regards,
Dr Kafeel Khan
Dr. Khan also expressed his desire to meet Shah Rukh Khan, Jawan director Atlee Kumar, and the film crew to express his gratitude. He said that he was moved by SRK’s decision to make the movie and that he felt a personal connection with the incident. Dr. Khan claimed that the character of Dr. Eeram Khan, played by actor Sanya Malhotra, summed up the experiences that he faced. A sub-plot in Jawan shows Ms. Malhotra’s character struggling to arrange oxygen supply at a government hospital where children are admitted due to high fever. The children later die, and the doctor is held responsible and jailed.
Dr. Kafeel Khan’s letter is a powerful reminder of systematic failures and how cinema can be used as a tool for social change.
Sanya Malhotra on her role based on Kafeel Khan
In an interview with The Indian Express, Sanya was asked if her character was based on Kafeel and the real-life incident that took place in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. In response, she said: “No, not that I know of. I used to completely surrender on set, to Atlee sir’s vision. But I got to know that he tweeted about it. All I can say is I feel very fortunate to have played a character like Eeram. It is a very important message that we are trying to give out.”
Jawan is a film that outlines the emotional journey of a man who is set to rectify the wrongs in the society. The film has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike for its gripping storyline, stunning action sequences, powerful performances and catchy songs. The film has crossed 1070 cr gross worldwide become first Hindi film to do so.
(Also read: A Glimpse Into The Massive Prep Behind The Action Scenes Of Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan)
Jawan is produced by Gauri Khan under the Red Chillies banner and distributed internationally by Yash Raj Films. The film released on September 7, 2023 and is still running successfully in theatres across the world.
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