As his film My Name Is Khan readies for release on Friday amid unprecedented security in Mumbai theatres, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan prayed for peace and said his integrity was “non-negotiable.”
Keeping his fingers crossed, the 44-year-old star also said his stardom was transient and that he wanted a “closure” in the tense row with the Shiv Sena, which has threatened to disrupt the film’s screening if he does not apologise for his remarks favouring the inclusion of Pakistani cricket players in the Indian Premier League.
“my stardom is transient. my integrity is non-negotiable... my being Indian unquestionable... hope peace prevails. hope misunderstandings get cleared. hope nobody is hurt. hope all leaders and activists have largesse of heart. hope...,” Mr. Khan, who is in Berlin for the premiere of his film, tweeted.
“nobody wants the Mumbaikars or their property hurt and destroyed. least of all me,” the actor said.
As many as 1,600 Shiv Sena activists have been arrested so far to ensure a peaceful release of the film.
Mr. Khan also said he was clarifying his stand for the last time and sought closure of the issue while praying for peace in the city, which he owed everything to.
“this also is the last time i clarify or say anything on this topic. this is not a justification, it’s just reiterating the facts,” he said.
“i may not have the same ideology as the Sena, but on the question of me being a patriot, i don’t think there should be any confusion. feel awful that Balasahib and Uddhav have misconstrued my words. The reactions of the Sena workers seem to make me believe that (sic),” he said.
The actor also hit out at detractors for alleging that the whole controversy was created to gain publicity for the film ahead of its release.
“i want to enjoy my film everywhere. i want to enjoy it within myself. And to sickos who think this is for publicity… 2 words SHUT UP!!,” wrote an angry Mr. Khan.
The actor said he decided to speak out because he wanted to clear the misunderstanding. “i have the courage of conviction by my side. i explain becos [because] better to do that, than create aggression and division in my country. i have no ego or false sense of pride. my words have been benign & without ill will to any person(s) or my nation (sic),” the actor said.
“don’t want mayhem anger and violence cos [because] of our beautiful film... which talks about repairing a bruised & divided world. writing not to justify but to spell out clearly who i am & my beliefs. seems otherwise i am misunderstood. should i write in block letters?,” he added.
“nationality: indian. born in: delhi. owe everything to: mumbai. loves: my country india, my family & freedom. desire: entertain all... ironic & sad. a film made for world peace has led to so much angst in my own house. my city. my country. let not anyone be hurt is all i pray (sic),” he said.
Keywords: My Name Is Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Shiv Sena
These protests by Shivsainiks is to prove their existence, after they lost badly in recent elections.
There are many problems that our country faces. Why should we always take such useless matters into consideration? It is pathetic.
No need at all for SRK to prove his Indian-ness. Why should one look at his religion or question his patriotism just because he has expressed his views on some matter? If someone is aggrieved on account of SRK's statement, they should seek redressal in a court of law. Apparently, there is more than that meets the eye in Shiv Sena targeting SRK. Once in a while, the party has to prove its existence. Only a spent force, who are not in tune with the mood of the people, will have to resort to such tactics. They are a minority but are capable of disturbing normal life of people - that is their only trump card. Whatever be the consequences, the government should put down lawlessness without fear or favor, so that a strong message is sent across to people who resort to violence and who create untold sufferings for the common people.
First of all Shah Rukh got the chance to buy Pakistani players who were in the auctining list of IPL-3. He did not take any Pak players and later on he made a statement that he wanted to take Pak players. It is totally ridiculous on part of Shah Rukh.
I live in Canada and it is so sickening to see politicians going so low in their acts of dividing the nation.I think the Indian filmstars are doing more to project India to the world as a tourist destination,as a place to invest and a place to learn than the politicians who are supposed to be doing this!!!And to doubt the Indianness of Mr.Khan would be to harm our motherland.He is one of the rare gems the country has produced in many years.
SRK is simply posturing and clouding the whole issue. This is not about his IPL comment. This is about his saying that Pakistan is a great neighbour and we should love them! He said this during the NDTV program 'India questions Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar: Part 1' with Prannoy Roy as host.
SRK is misleading the nation, wittingly or unwittingly, especially the young. He should simply stop muddying the waters and apologise.
Rightly said and I admire him for what he said.
Shivsainiks, for God's sake please stop all these terrorising activities. No common Indian found anything non-Indian in Shah Rukh's words. How do you find that? It is high time that you allow people to live in peace. You just can't face the wrath of common man. I rather find Shiv Sena to be unpatriotic due to its activity.
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