Sena: SRK ‘traitor’; star stands firm
Feb. 6: The controversy over the release of Shah Rukh Khan’s new film, My Name Is Khan, could fizzle out after Saturday’s developments. Shah Rukh, who arrived at Mumbai International Airport on Saturday morning, said he was ready to meet Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray to “explain his stand”.
The star, however, stuck to his comments on Pakistani players in the IPL. “I have not said anything that is anti-national or anti-Indian. I stand by what I said and I would like to say that may be the group has misunderstood me.”On the other hand, the Shiv Sena supremo, in an unexpectedly dejected withdrawal, wrote in his party mouthpiece Saamna that the actor could release his movie without any protection and that his party would not oppose it.Shah Rukh arrived in Mumbai against the backdrop of threats from the Sena to block the release of his film for his remarks regarding the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League. After days of defiance, Shah Rukh made the conciliatory remarks on his arrival in Mumbai. “If Balasaheb wants me to meet him, I will do that,” the actor said.Mr Bal Thackeray had called SRK a “traitor” in an editorial in Saamna and had added that the actor must remember that the 26/11 attackers were mostly Pakistani. However, Shah Rukh said his statement had been misconstrued. “I think what I said has been misconstrued. I am totally for good relationships with countries. But I am certainly not pro some other country and not my own country,” he said. “I have met Balasaheb in the past and I enjoyed his company. I always respected Balasaheb and whenever he has called me, I have always gone to meet him,” the actor said. The actor was also cautious not to create another controversy by saying any thing on the issue of “Mumbai for all Indians”. He said, “I don’t want to say anything about it. If I say one more word it will create more controversy. But I am what I am because of Mumbai.”Meanwhile, in an uncharacteristically dejected editorial in Saamna, Mr Bal Thackeray wrote, “Many a time I think why am I doing all this? I am not saying this out of frustration.” He added, “Let Pakistani players play anywhere in the country. Let attacks on Indians continue in Australia. Let Pakistan carry out terrorist attacks like 26/11 in India. Let Shah Rukh Khan release his movie with blessings from the Italian woman and the prince without any protection. Shiv Sena will not oppose it. Let terrorists thrive in this country with the Congress’ blessings. Shiv Sena will not obstruct them. Why should Shiv Sainiks get their heads broken and go to jail?”
Prasad Patil Mumbai
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