As his film 'My Name Is Khan' readies for release on Friday amid unprecedented security in Mumbai theatres, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan prays for peace and says his integrity is "non-negotiable."
Keeping his fingers crossed, the 44-year-old star also says his stardom is transient and wants 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 inclusion of Pakistani cricket players in IPL.
"My stardom is transient. my integrity in non negotiable ...my being indian unquestionable...hope peace prevails. hope misunderstandings get cleared. hope nobody is hurt. hope all leaders & activists have largesse of heart. hope...," Khan, who is currently in Berlin for the premiere of his film, tweeted. "nobody wants the mumbaikers or their property hurt & destroyed. least of all me." 1,600 Shiv Sena activists have been arrested so far to ensure a peaceful release of the film.
Shah Rukh also said he is making his point clear for the last time and sought closure, praying for peace in the city, which he owes everything to. "this also is the last time i clarify or say anything on this topic. this is not a justification, its just reiterating the facts," he said. "i may not have the same ideologies as the sena but on the question of me being a patriot, i dont think there should be any confusion. feel awful that balasahib & udhav have misconstrued my words. the reactions of the sena workers seems 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 Shah Rukh.
The actor said that he decided to speak out because he wanted to clear the misunderstanding. "i have the courage of conviction by my side. i explain becos better to do that, than create aggression & 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. "dont want mayhem anger and violence cos 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. Khan said he owed everything to Mumbai and wanted a peaceful release of the film. "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.
The film has been dogged by controversy since the beginning, be it Khan's US airport detention or the Shiv Sena threat. Khan play a man suffering from Asperger's Syndrome in the movie, who is mistaken for a terrorist in the post 9/11 America and undertakes a long journey across the US to prove his innocence to the love of his life, played by Kajol. Directed by Karan Johar and co-produced by Khan, the film is receiving positive reviews, much to the relief of Khan. PTI
