Artistes have a role in highlighting gender issues, says Aamir Khan

New Delhi : As sexual harassment scandals rock Hollywood, superstar Aamir Khan says creative people have an important role to play in changing mindsets on gender issues.

The actor, whose recent films "Dangal" and "Secret Superstar" focused on female empowerment, also believes that the issues are directly linked to patriarchy."I think sexual harassment is a very sad thing to happen to anyone, irrespective of what your sex is. Sexual harassment is just not on," he said when asked about the Harvey Weinstein case.Such cases, he said, happened not just in the world of films, but in other areas, too.

"I understand that people are free to be romantically involved with whoever they want. But you cannot pressure a person into being with you physically. It happens not only in films but in all walks of life and is very unfortunate," Aamir, who is currently shooting for "Thugs of Hindostan" in Thailand, told PTI in an exclusive telephonic interview.

"It is connected to the larger issue. Not only in India but all over the world, (it is) this thinking of patriarchy that men are stronger or are more important that leads to various kind of things. Sexual harassment is one of them," he said.

"Dangal" focused on a father's decision to turn his daughters into wrestlers in a patriarchal society, while "Secret Superstar" revolved around a teen's struggle to pursue music despite facing opposition from her father.The actor highlighted issues that women face in India in his TV show "Satyamev Jayate". In "Secret Superstar", he said, he went a step forward by portraying a girl who asserts her independence and helps her mother do the same.

"I find the journey of making the film as exciting as the end result. I do one film in a year or sometimes one film in two years. So the process is what excites me... I am living that journey for a year or so. It becomes my life and it is a passion for me.He believes he is "fortunate" that the unusual stories he has picked up have done well at the box office.

"That is something I don't plan. 'Taare Zameen Par' was one of the top hits of that year and did huge business at that time. When films like 'Secret Superstar' do well, it makes me very happy. As a creative person, you feel reassured. You get a lot of encouragement and strength.