How could you, SRK?

Shah Rukh’s production house wishing Sena chief comes as a surprise to many.

Has actor Shah Rukh Khan extended an olive branch to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray?

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If the latest issue of Saamna, the political party’s mouthpiece, is anything to go by, it seems he has. Last morning, the newspaper carried an advertisement wishing Uddhav on his birthday. It read: ‘With best compliments’ from Red Chillies Entertainment, the production house owned by Shah Rukh Khan.

Not long back, SRK and the Sena were at loggerheads, when the Sena took offense to SRK saying he had nothing against Pakistani cricketers playing in the IPL. The Sena threatened to disrupt the release of SRK’s film My Name Is Khan.

Thus, Shah Rukh wishing Uddhav comes as a surprise to many. Calling it a ‘personal warm gesture’, Shiv Sena spokesperson Rahul Navrekar says, “I don’t know whether Shah Rukh has done it himself or someone from the production house did it.

We had no personal animosity with SRK; we were just against the statements he made. So, if he has realised it (his mistake), we are happy." However, Shah Rukh may not even be aware of the ad. While both he and his manager remained unavailable for comment, a source close to the actor revealed, "Shah Rukh is currently in London.

Bobby Chawla, the CEO of the production house, is hospitalised. In all likelihood, he doesn’t even know of this.” Surprised, Samar Khan of Red Chillies Entertainment said, “I have not heard of any such ad. I just look after the TV division of the company.”

The actor’s fans are not too pleased. “The entire country supported SRK during the MNIK controversy. His about- turn is disappointing,” says Divya Dua, 21. “I don’t believe this! I thought he was a real hero,” says Mukul Jain, 26.

But, the actor does have some support. “It’s a positive move. Whoever makes the first move is a hero and SRK has proved he is one,” says industry analyst Komal Nahata. “SRK has turned an enemy from yesterday to a friend today. It’s a moment to rejoice,” says filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.