My Name Is Khan

During November 2007, Rizwan Khan, an autistic man living in San Francisco, embarks on a meaningful journey to meet President George W. Bush. His mission? To assert, “My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist.” Due to his autism, Rizwan nervously mutters to himself, leading to racial profiling that causes him to miss his last flight to Washington DC. Left with no other choice, he boards a bus, as the cost of the next flight is simply beyond his means.

Rizwan, played by Shahrukh Khan, was raised in Borivali, Mumbai, by his father, Dilawar Amanaullah Khan; his mother, Razia; and his brother, Zakir. Each family member played a unique role in Rizwan’s life. Tragically, after his father’s death, Rizwan suffers abuse from classmates and even his brother Zakir, who feels overshadowed by the attention their father devoted to Rizwan. Zakir, feeling neglected, hires Wadia to teach Rizwan, appreciating his exceptional intelligence but also craving familial recognition himself.

As the years roll on, Zakir relocates to the U.S.A. and marries Hasina. He sponsors Rizwan and Razia’s immigration, but grief strikes when Razia passes away before they can set foot in the U.S. In San Francisco, Zakir runs a beauty products company, and it is here that Rizwan begins a new chapter as a door-to-door salesman. Here, Hasina, a psychology professor, diagnoses him with Asperger’s Syndrome.

While trying to make ends meet, Rizwan becomes enamored with a Hindu salon worker named Mandira Rathod, performed by Kajol. Mandira is a single mother who’s endured significant hardship—her husband left her when she was just 19, leaving her to raise their son Sameer alone. Despite Zakir’s disapproval of their marriage due to cultural differences, Rizwan and Mandira unite and open a salon together in Banville, establishing a semblance of a peaceful life next to the Garrick family.

However, their idyllic existence shatters in the wake of the September 11 attacks, thrusting them into a world marked by discrimination and suspicion. As tensions escalate, tragedy strikes when a conflict leads to the death of Sameer, prompting Mandira to irrationally blame Rizwan. In a moment of hurt and sarcasm, she tells him he must inform everyone, including the President, that he is not a terrorist.

Taking her words literally, Rizwan dedicates himself to meeting President Bush, but despite chasing him across the nation, he repeatedly finds himself thwarted and frustrated. After six months, authorities decide to close Sameer’s case due to lack of evidence, further deepening Mandira’s anger.

In an impactful incident, Rizwan challenges a radical speaker, Dr. Faisal Rahman, with the true essence of the Quran, marking a pivotal moment. While attempting to express himself at a Bush rally, he shouts, “My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist!” This outcry results in his arrest as the crowd misinterprets his intentions. Following an incredible media outcry, journalists investigate his life and prove his innocence, revealing the motivations behind his actions.

As Rizwan travels across the country, he eventually finds himself in Wilhemina, Georgia, where he selflessly helps a family impacted by a hurricane. His heroic actions become a national sensation, garnering attention and support from ordinary citizens. In a twist of fate, when Reese, the son of the Garricks, finally names the boys responsible for Sameer’s death, justice is served.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including a near-fatal stab wound at the hands of one of Faisal’s followers, Rizwan’s perseverance led him to a meeting with President Obama, who reassures him with the same words he has long sought: “Your name is Khan and you are not a terrorist.” Ultimately, this moment of reconciliation offers hope and healing as Mandira forgives him, culminating a powerful narrative of identity and resilience.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:49