Jawan: Dr Kafeel Khan, who inspired Sanya Malhotra's character, expresses desire to meet Shah Rukh Khan - here's why

Shah Rukh Khan’s recent outing Jawan, which turned out to be the biggest Bollywood blockbuster of all time, raised lots of important social issues including corruption, farmers’ suicide and children dying in hospitals due to lack of oxygen. It is said that the segment of children dying in a hospital due to lack of oxygen, where Sanya Malhotra played a doctor, is inspired by Dr Kafeel Khan. Just like in the film, he went through a similar ordeal and was fired from his job and slapped with multiple cases.

Dr Kafeel Khan has now written a letter to Shah Rukh Khan expressing his gratitude. He mentioned, “I recently had the privilege of watching your latest film, Jawan , and I felt compelled to convey my deep appreciation for your extraordinary commitment to using cinema as a means to address critical socio-political issues. The movie’s poignant portrayal of the tragic Gorakhpur Encephalitis incident has left an indelible mark on my heart. As someone who has had a personal connection with the incident and its aftermath, I was profoundly moved by your decision to bring this story to the screen. 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. It underscores the urgent need for accountability within our healthcare system.” He added, “The character portrayed by @sanyamalhotra07 ( as Dr Eeram Khan ) although not directly referencing me, encapsulated the experiences I faced. It was heartening to witness the real culprit of ‘The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy’ got caught , though sadly in real life the real culprits are roaming free, me still struggling to get my job back, and those 63 parents who lost their little ones still waiting for justice,” He also expressed his wish to meet SRK and director Atlee , and said, “If given the opportunity, I would be immensely honored to meet you and the talented director @Atlee_dir , as well as other members of the film’s crew, to express my gratitude personally. I also want to assure you that my sanctification, devotion, and determination towards serving my countrymen would continue undeterred.” Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, which also stars Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Lehar Khan and others, has earned over Rs 600 crore at the box office.