Dr. Kafeel Khan from Uttar Pradesh who was arrested in Gorakhpur tragedy in the year 2017, wrote an appreciation letter to Shah Rukh Khan for his movie ‘Jawan’. After watching the film Kafeel Khan conveyed his thanks to the team for indirectly highlighting the Gorakhpur tragedy. However, the actor hasn’t responded to the letter yet.
Dr. Kafeel Khan’s Thank You Note
On 5th October 2023, Dr. Kafeel Khan took to X, formerly (Twitter) and wrote a Thank You letter to Shah Rukh Khan and also posted the images of his hand written note. The doctor began by exclaiming the unfortunateness of not being able to obtain SRK’s email address and later mentioned that the letter he sent by post was still in transit and therefore he is posting it on X.
In the letter he expressed his deep appreciation towards the actor and his extraordinary commitment for using cinema to address critical socio-political issues.
He further mentions that the portrayal of Gorakhpur Encephalitis tragedy in the movie has been heartfelt to him as he is someone who had a personal connection with both the incident and its aftermath.
He also added, “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 and the urgent need to check upon the healthcare system and its accountability within.
Further he wrote about Sanya Malhotra’s character in ‘jawan’ as “Dr. Eeram Khan” who presented the experiences faced by him although not directly referring to him and he expressed the heartening feeling of watching the culprits getting caught in the movie but also conveyed his sadness over the fact that in real life the culprits of Gorakhpur tragedy are roaming freely.
Later he shared about the book he has authored titled as “ The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy” which is available in more than six languages.
And said, if given an opportunity he would like to meet Atlee, the director of the film and personally express his gratitude towards him and the team.
He concluded the letter by thanking him once again for being the “beacon of hope”.
Gorakhpur Tragedy Parallel To Jawan’s Sub-plot
In 2017 a tragedy occurred at the State-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College’s Nehru Hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. On the evening of 10th August, liquid oxygen ran out in the hospital and even after getting no help from the designated authorities Dr. Khan managed to procure oxygen cylinders on his own but couldn’t save the lives of over 80 patients including 63 children and 18 adults.
However he was suspended and later accused of negligence and was sent behind the bars for more than 200 days. He alleged the state health care system and claimed that he was used as a scapegoat.
The movie ‘Jawan’ includes a sub-plot which pulls references from the Gorakhpur incident. In the film Dr. Eeram Khan played by Sanya Malhotra struggles to save the lives of many in a government run hospital. The oxygen supply runs out and she informs the authorities but receives no help. Then she secures oxygen cylinders by herself but couldn’t save the lives of many innocents. Later she was accused of negligence and was jailed and was also treated as a scapegoat.
