Aamir was to talk about peace on earth at 'Make in India Week'

Mumbai, Feb 15: Aamir Khan, who was earlier at the centre of a controversy over his comments on intolerance, was to recite a poem about peace at the cultural event as part of 'Make in India' meet where a fire broke out.

"He was going to recite the famous Marathi poem 'Pasayadan'...written in the 13th century by Sant Dnyaneshwar," a source said.

"After finishing his commentary on the Bhagwad ita, Sant Dnyaneshwar wrote Pasayadan as a prayer," he said. The fire engulfed the stage at a cultural event held at Girgaum Chowpatty seafront here last night.

A string of film celebrities and political leaders were present as part of the high-profile 'Make in India' investment meet but there were no casualties.

All the VVIPs including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan were safely evacuated to safer areas. The programme was later called-off following the incident.

Aamir had earlier attended a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Saturday night. The "Ghajini" star had kicked up a controversy last year by saying he has been "alarmed" by a number of incidents and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested that they should probably leave India.

His comments evoked sharp criticism from ruling BJP and also the NDA government. Later, the 50-year-old actor's contract as brand ambassador for the government's Incredible India campaign was not renewed by the Tourism Ministry.