Indian Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan attends the launch of an ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) coffee table book in Mumbai on November 23, 2015. (AFP)
When asked if he should use his stature as an icon for broader purpose, Shah Rukh Khan said while he wanted to do that, he is often misquoted. Talking to Mid Day, he said, “I talk about something and it is misconstrued, and I get into trouble. That’s a nuisance.”
Broaching on his controversial comment, he said, “Like that thing which blew up recently — I never said India is intolerant. When I was asked about it, I said I wouldn’t like talking about it, but when they insisted, I had just said that the youth should concentrate on making this a secular, progressive country.”
Read: Not being secular is the worst crime in this country, says SRK
Shah Rukh was attacked by the BJP leaders and branded a ‘Pakistani agent’ after he said there was an atmosphere of growing intolerance in the country. “Intolerance religiously… not being secular in this country is the worst crime you can do as a patriot,” he replied to a question during a Twitter townhall on November 2. On artists and dignitaries returning awards in protest, Shah Rukh had said, “I have not been in a situation like that. But I respect the people. If they think this gesture is going to turn things around, it is very brave, very honest.”
