Shahrukh downplays remarks, won’t meet Thackeray

Under attack from Shiv Sena, Shah Rukh Khan today said it was sad that his remarks on Pakistani cricketers in IPL have been misread but ruled out meeting Bal Thackeray on his own to sort out the controversy.

“I think what I said has been misconstrued. I am pro good relationship with countries. I am not pro some other country and not my own country. How is it possible?” he remarked to reporters outside the airport on his arrival from London amid tight security.

Asked if he would go to ‘Matoshree’, home of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who has been attacking the actor for his comments on the non-inclusion of Pakistani players in the 3rd edition of IPL, the actor said Bal Thackeray was a senior leader and he had gone to his residence whenever he was called.

“I have been there so often. Yes, I would like to go and have drink with him. But on this matter, I don’t see....there is no reason for going and asking....but if my stand needs to be explained to someone, I have already done it. I don’t think there is an issue on that front,” Khan said.

But the 44-year-old actor, whose upcoming film ‘My Name Is Khan’ faces threat from Sena supporters, also added, “If there is any misunderstanding. Let’s be gracious and let’s talk it out.”

Against the backdrop of the controversy over “Mumbai belongs to all Indians”, Khan said, “I only said what every Indian should say. It is in the constitution. I don’t want to use big words. If I say anything it will be misconstrued and turned around.

“I am what I am because of Mumbai and I would like everyone in Mumbai to be happy. I think what is happening is very unfortunate. I think all the groups also want Mumbaikars to be happy then why create this kind of atmosphere.”

On why his team Kolkata Knight Riders did not pick up Pakistani players, he said, “There was only one slot available and nobody told us to take or not take Pakistani players. We also have to take into consideration the prevailing atmosphere.”

Khan and Kajol, his co-star in the film, became the first Bollywood stars to ring the opening bell of NASDAQ, the world’s biggest stock exchange. The honour is usually reserved for CEOs of major corporations. The actor arrived in Mumbai on Saturday with. Kajol and director Karan Johar after promoting the film in New York, London and Berlin.

With Sena actvists threatening to disrupt the showing of My Name Is Khan, releasing on Feb 12 all over the country, the Maharashtra government said on Saturday that it would ensure security for screening of movies of Shah Rukh Khan. and asserted that it will act against anyone trying to "bully" others. Chief Minister Ashok Chavan "Even I will go and watch those movies," he said.

Toeing the line of Shiv Sena, Vishwa Hindu Parishad said on Saturday that people should boycott Shahrukh Khan’s new film over his statement that Pakistani players could have been allowed to participate in the IPL.

- Asian Tribune -