‘Intolerance’ remark cited by VHP activits.
By Dileep Thekkethil
Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists, who earlier protested during the release of the Shah Rukh Khan film “Dilwale” over the actor’s intolerance remark, are now protesting against the shooting of his upcoming release Raees in Bhuj.
Shah Rukh Khan during an interview had said that there was extreme intolerance in India, which added fuel to the agitation that sparked after Bollywood star Aamir Khan shared a similar view. Shah Rukh had said, “Intolerance religiously…not being secular in this country is the worst crime you can do as a patriot.”
The actor later retracted his statement saying that his words were misquoted “I talk about something and it is misconstrued, and I get into trouble. That’s a nuisance. Like that thing which blew up recently — I never said India is intolerant. When I was asked about it, I said I wouldn’t like talking about it, but when they insisted, I had just said that the youth should concentrate on making this a secular, progressive country,” he said.
A memorandum was submitted to the district officer in Bhuj by a group of VHP activists asking him to withdraw the permission given for shooting the film. As an extension of their protest, the VHP activists assembled outside the collector’s office and reiterated the demand. They shouted slogans against the actor and also burnt and tore his posters.
Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) M B Parmar said to The Hindustan Times: “From the Collector’s office they wanted to go to the place where the shooting is on, which is on the outskirts of the Bhuj city, but we have stopped them and dispersed them.”
Gujarat VHP general secretary Ranchod Bharwad said: “He should think, living in this country which gave him the name, fame and riches; if he goes on speaking about non-existent intolerance, the VHP will never forgive.”