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Dr Kafeel Khan, who claims to have been made a scapegoat in the 2017 Gorakhpur hospital deaths case, has written a letter thanking actor Shah Rukh Khan for portraying the incident in his latest film, the blockbuster Jawan. In the action drama, a doctor character played by Sanya Malhotra goes through a similar experience as that of Dr Khan, who was initially hailed as a hero, but was later arrested and jailed for his role in the tragedy.
The case received nationwide attention in August 2017, when over 60 children died at the state-run BRD Medical College hospital in Gorakhpur city of Uttar Pradesh. It was reported that hospital authorities had alerted the state government about non-payment of dues to oxygen suppliers, which led to the supply being cut off. Dr Khan was said to have spent his own money to arrange for oxygen cylinders in an attempt to save lives. After initially being hailed for his valiant efforts, Dr Khan was removed as the nodal officer in charge of the encephalitis ward on charges of dereliction of duty, and was subsequently jailed. He was acquitted of all charges in 2019.
In Jawan, the character of Eeram experiences a similar tragedy, and in prison becomes acquainted with Shah Rukh’s vigilante character Azaad. Along with a host of other wronged women, they set out to right the wrongs of society by calling attention to such malpractices, and bringing those actually responsible to justice.
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 🙏🏾
ToThe Honourable Mr. Shah Rukh KhanIndian actor and film producerMannat,… pic.twitter.com/9OxtzHQJ5M
— Dr Kafeel Khan (@drkafeelkhan) October 5, 2023
In his letter addressed to Shah Rukh, Dr Khan thanked him for using cinema as a tool to address ‘critical socio-political issues’, and said that he was ‘profoundly moved’ to see the story depicted on the big screen. But, he added, while the culprits were brought to justice in the film, they remain scot free in real life. Dr Khan also requested a meeting with both Shah Rukh and the film’s director Atlee, and assured Shah Rukh that his ‘sanctification, devotion, and determination towards serving (his) countrymen would continue undeterred.”
Here is Dr Khan’s full letter:
To The Honourable Mr. Shah Rukh KhanIndian actor and film producerMannat, 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.
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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
After 28 days of release, Jawan has grossed a total of Rs 1100 crore at the worldwide box office, becoming Shah Rukh’s second film of the year to have made more than Rs 1000 crore globally after Pathaan. In India, Jawan became the biggest Bollywood film of all time, and the first to cross the Rs 600 crore nett mark. The film was appreciated for its political messaging and Atlee’s direction.
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