Dr Kafeel Khan, who was jailed in connection with the encephalitis deaths of children in Gorakhpur in 2017, has expressed gratitude to superstar Shah Rukh Khan for the “poignant portrayal” of the incident in his film Jawan and for his “extraordinary commitment to using cinema as a means to address critical socio-political issues”.

In a handwritten letter addressed to Shah Rukh and posted on X, Kafeel Khan, who was removed as assistant professor of BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, said: “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.... 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.”