close_game
close_game

Not being secular is the worst crime as patriot: Shah Rukh Khan

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Nov 02, 2015 04:22 PM IST

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said on Monday there was “extreme intolerance” in India, touching upon a heated debate at a time a section of writers and intellectuals have launched a protest against the central government over ‘growing religious tension’.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said on Monday there was “extreme intolerance” in India, touching upon a heated debate at a time a section of writers and intellectuals have launched a protest against the central government over ‘growing religious tension’.

Khan’s comments came at a time a debate has erupted over ‘growing intolerance’, with many writers and filmmakers returning awards they received to protest against the government’s alleged failure to protect the secular fabric in the country and safeguard dissenters.(HT File Photo)
Khan’s comments came at a time a debate has erupted over ‘growing intolerance’, with many writers and filmmakers returning awards they received to protest against the government’s alleged failure to protect the secular fabric in the country and safeguard dissenters.(HT File Photo)

“People put words in the air even before thinking,” Khan said at a Twitter town hall organised by a media house as the star turned 50.

“Intolerance religiously…not being secular in this country is the worst crime you can do as a patriot.”

His comments came at a time a debate has erupted over ‘growing intolerance’, with many writers and filmmakers returning awards they received to protest against the government’s alleged failure to protect the secular fabric in the country and safeguard dissenters.

Read: Happy Birthday Shah Rukh Khan: A look beyond the romance king

For its part, the government has accused opposition Congress, Left thinkers and activists of practising “ideological intolerance” towards the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At the town hall with India Today television channel, Khan also talked about his stand on the issue of returning awards.

When asked if he will return an award to take a stand, Khan 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.”

“As far as I am concerned, I have not participated in something as meaningful as they have.”

Read: 12 filmmakers return national awards, protest ‘growing intolerance’

Khan also stressed that being a star, it was tough for him to take a stand on every moral issue.

“We may talk about freedom of speech, but people come outside my house and throw stones…

“If I do take a stand, I’ll stand by it,” he added.

Read: Debate on growing intolerance: Don’t write off the intellectuals

Nehru’s niece returns Akademi award, slams ‘dangerous Hindutva’

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
See More
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, February 07, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On