Actor-activist Aamir Khan needed a moment at the press conference to announce season three of his TV show Satyamev Jayate.
Describing himself as "injured," the PK star became distinctly teary-eyed, wiping his eyes on his shirt and asking for a glass of water. Aamir was speaking about how the stories of those he encountered behind-the-scenes of Satyamev Jayate had affected him.
He told the assembled reporters, "On the show, you see me speak to 8 or 10 people, 12 or 15 people. But during research I hear the stories of upto 100 people. The nature of the some of the stories is such that we are unable to have them on the show."
As an example, Aamir cited a young woman who was raped and then set on fire. She spoke to the Satyamev Jayate crew from her deathbed in hospital. Aamir said, "We couldn't show you the interview, you wouldn't have been able to watch it. It was extremely difficult for me to see it."
At this point, Aamir's brimming eyes and choked up voice silenced him and the reporters for a minute that seemed like an eternity. Gulping down some water, Aamir continued, "I have seen many things that have had a deep impact on me. You feel helpless, you want to forget the show and concentrate on resolving the issue you are faced with at that moment. Emotionally, this journey has been very difficult for me."
On previous seasons of Satyamev Jayate, Aamir has been accused by some of producing tears with an eye on TRPs.
Satyamev Jayate, a campaign-based show that has highlighted social issues as diverse as female foeticide and medical malpractices, has cast Aamir in the role of crusader. As the host of the show, Aamir has been invited to Parliament to present solutions to a committee on medical FDI and has earned a place on the Time 100 List.