On Friday, film star Aamir Khan took on the role of environmental activist as he came out strongly in support of evacuees of the Narmada dam, as well as the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy, who have been protesting here demanding rehabilitation and adequate compensation.

"I do not know about the issue completely so I would not like to comment on whether the height of the dam should be raised or not. But what I know is that thousands of people have been affected due to the building of the dam (in western India) and they have not been given proper rehabilitation by the government," said Aamir, who was mobbed by the media, as well as a large crowd that came to see him in his new avatar.

"This is an emotional reaction after seeing the struggle of the activists," he said regarding his presence among the activists at the Jantar Mantar near the business district of Connaught Place.

He added: "I was not aware of the agitation of the two groups but last week when I was in Delhi, I saw these people sitting at the Jantar Mantar and came to know about them."

His co-stars and director of the recently released hit film “Rang De Basanti” accompanied Khan.

"I wanted to come and meet them, and I also asked my friends to come and support the cause for which these activists have been on fast for so many days," he said.

Aamir’s support for the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) activists came the day before the cabinet is anticipated to meet and discuss the issue.

A fact-finding team sent by the government has returned and is expected to present its report at the cabinet meeting regarding its visit the villages in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra that would be affected due to the construction of the dam.

Medha Patkar, well-known environmental activist, has been on an indefinite hunger strike against the raising of the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam since 29 March. It is alleged by the activists of NBA that over 35,000 people, displaced by the dam, have not been rehabilitated.

Khan also appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to give the protesters proper attention and time so that they can present their problems before him.

"I request the prime minister to give them proper rehabilitation and compensation according to the norms. Every Indian in the country has the right to get proper food, land and employment and the government should give these people the kind of agricultural land promised to them and source of employment," he said.

"The farmers who have been displaced should be rehabilitated well by the government and this should happen in absolute terms and not just on paper. We know there is corruption in the society and we must come together in support of the activists," he said. Khan added: "I have come here for the sake the farmers who give us food to eat and it is the responsibility of the government to rehabilitate these people," said Khan.

Speaking in support of the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984, Aamir said people have been demanding basic rights, like safe drinking water and compensation, which the government has not given them even though it has been over 20 years of the tragic incident.