DeshGujarat, Ahmedabad

This ‘intolerance’ related nonsensical propaganda is increasing day-by-day by usual suspects from anti-Modi brigade.

The latest to join the brigade is that ‘My name is Khan’ fame popular actor Shahrukh Khan.

Indian Express reports on 2nd November 2015: ‘On his fiftieth birthday, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan voiced his opinion on what is widely being seen as ‘growing intolerance’ in the country, accepting that there was widespread intolerance in the Indian society now. Responding to a question during a Twitter townhall with India Today‘s Rajdeep Sardesai, Shah Rukh Khan said the biggest mistake a patriot can make was to go against secularism in India. When asked if he was ready to give up his awards much like those over the past month, Shah Rukh Khan said he would, in a symbolic gesture if asked to.“Yes, as a symbolic gesture I would give it up… I do think there is intolerance. There is extreme intolerance,” Shah Rukh Khan said.The Bollywood star also spoke of his life as a Muslim in India, referring to past instances where he had to explain himself after his remarks sparked controversy. “No one can question my patriotism. How dare anyone?” Khan said’.

Alright, now let’s straight away jump to CNN-IBN interview in February 2013:

In an interview with CNN-IBN news channel, Shahrukh Khan was asked similar question on ‘growing intolerance’. But two things were different. First, it was Congress-led UPA government in power, and secondly the question was pertaining to intolerance by fundamentalist Muslims who issued threats to Kashmiri girls run music band ‘Pragash’. The other mention was about ban on Kamal Hassan’s movie vishwaroopam by Tamil Nadu government – again due to protests by groups of Muslims.

So How Shahrukh reacted to ‘intollerance’ regarding question in 2013? Following is the reply of Shah Rukh on that occasion. Compare it with yesterday’s reply to similar question when BJP is in power and intolerance is not discussed in light of Muslim fundamentalists.

CNN-IBN: First of all about this growing intolerance you know towards artists, musicians, film makers, what happens to Kashmiri girls band. What happened to Kamal Hassan, one of greatest actors and one of top celebrities in country. This is about increasing intolerance in society nowadays. What is your reaction to it?

Shah Rukh Khan: I am an actor, I stand for freedom of expression and that’s it.

CNN-IBN: Any message to the girl band then? The Kashmiri girl band?

Shah Rukh Khan:I will be very honest now Sushant. I don’t want to have specifics chatter about and talk about things which are now political religious and stuff.

So you can talk to me about my films. Generically if you want to know yes, I believe in freedom of expression and everybody should have that option, every artist, every actor, every singer.

CNN-IBN: Is it also because of these times this intolerance times that Shah Rukh Khan choose not to speak about these things.

Shah Rukh Khan:I speak about work that I know better which is, which also some people claim I don’t know. The film making and acting. But ya, I stick to the stuff that I know. So you can ask me about Timer watch. If You want seriousness you get to have serious peple, not the film actor and actresses.

Anchor then continues his conversation with Shah Rukh’s upcoming films(Chennai Express).

Update:

The video of Shah Rukh Khan’s twitter townhall conversation is available now and there’s no mention of Award wapsi or other parts mentioned as Shah Rukh’s quote in Indian Express report mentioned above. So the interview is edited? Or Indian Express reporting if fictitious and faulty?

– DeshGujarat