On June 12, 2025, Bollywood icon Aamir Khan addressed the backlash over his endorsement of the fantasy sports app Dream11, defending his decision by emphasizing the ad’s creative appeal and the app’s legal status. In an interview with Zoom, the 59-year-old actor, known for his selective brand endorsements, clarified that while he has consistently refused to promote alcohol and tobacco, he saw no issue with Dream11, stating, “If it is illegal, then ban it, then we won’t make any ads on it. And if it’s legal, then let me do it too.” The endorsement, featuring Khan alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya, has divided fans, reigniting discussions about celebrity responsibility and the ethics of promoting betting apps.
In This Article:
The Dream11 Campaign: Creativity Over Controversy
Khan, often dubbed “Mr. Perfectionist” for his meticulous approach to films and endorsements, explained that the Dream11 ad’s humorous script was a key factor in his decision. “I laughed so much after I read that ad. I was certain that I wanted to do it,” he told Zoom, highlighting his appreciation for the campaign’s relatability and wit. The series of ads, which also featured Khan with his 3 Idiots co-stars R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi, as well as a playful verbal face-off with Ranbir Kapoor, has been praised for its entertainment value. Posts on X called the ads “hilarious” and “better than current Bollywood films,” with some fans noting, “Aamir channeling his inner Amar from Andaz Apna Apna” was a nostalgic treat.
However, the campaign has drawn criticism for promoting what some perceive as gambling. Dream11, a fantasy sports platform where users create virtual teams to earn points based on real-world performances, operates in a legal gray area in India. While classified as a “game of skill” under Indian law, critics argue it fosters addictive behavior akin to gambling. A Reddit thread from March 2024 questioned why cricketers like Rohit Sharma face less scrutiny than rappers for similar endorsements, reflecting a double standard in public perception. Khan’s involvement, given his socially conscious image from Satyamev Jayate, has particularly disappointed some fans, with one X user lamenting, “An actor who inspired youth is now encouraging gambling.”
Khan’s Endorsement Principles: Quality and Legality
Khan emphasized that his endorsement choices hinge on two principles: the product must deliver on its promises, and he avoids announcing prices, seeing himself as a brand ambassador, not a salesman. “I always check that the product is delivering what they have promised,” he said, recalling a rare exception when he promoted Coca-Cola’s “Chota Coke” for ₹5 due to its creative ad. For Dream11, Khan argued that its legal status as a skill-based game justified his involvement. Unlike alcohol or tobacco, which he has refused despite lucrative offers, Dream11’s operations align with current Indian regulations, a stance he reiterated: “If it’s legal, then let me do it.”
This defense contrasts with the broader crackdown on illegal betting apps in India. In 2023, the government banned 122 such platforms, including Mahadev, linked to ₹5,000 crore in money laundering. The Mahadev case, which implicated actor Sahil Khan and others, highlighted the risks of unregulated betting, including match-fixing and fraud. While Dream11 remains legal, public sentiment, as seen in a 2023 PIL in Bihar targeting Khan and cricketers for promoting gambling, reflects growing unease about celebrity endorsements of such apps.
Aamir’s Legacy and Public Reaction
Khan’s career, spanning classics like Lagaan and Taare Zameen Par, has been defined by socially impactful projects, including Satyamev Jayate, which tackled issues like domestic violence and alcoholism. His upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par set for release on June 20, 2025, continues this legacy by focusing on specially-abled basketball players. This socially conscious image makes his Dream11 endorsement jarring for some, with critics arguing it contradicts his advocacy for youth empowerment. Others, however, defend his choice, noting that Dream11’s skill-based nature distinguishes it from addictive substances. A Reddit user remarked, “Fantasy sports tread a fine line, but it’s not gambling in every country’s laws,” reflecting the nuanced debate.
The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Accountability
Khan’s defense raises questions about celebrity influence in promoting potentially addictive platforms. While he avoided tobacco endorsements, unlike peers like Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn, the betting app controversy underscores the ethical tightrope celebrities walk. Akshay Kumar’s 2022 withdrawal from a pan masala ad after fan backlash offers a precedent, suggesting public pressure can sway such decisions. As Khan prepares for Sitaare Zameen Par, the Dream11 debate may linger, challenging his image as a socially responsible star.
-By Manoj H