Intolerance controversy: Shah Rukh Khan talks about patriotism, Bharat Mata and Modi

New Delhi, April 17: The Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently basking in the glory of success of his recently released film Fan, said in an interview that he felt like crying when people raised questions about his patriotism.

In a freewheeling chat with Rajat Sharma on the TV show Aap Ki Adalat, the actor said, "Sometimes I feel very sad, I even feel like crying, that I should be made to say that I belong to this country, I am a patriot. I am a patriot, rather we all are. We do not have to compete with others to say we are patriots."

"I get very sad when I am supposed to explain each and every time how good a patriot I am," he added.

The star said his message to the youth would be to be tolerant and work towards taking this nation forward as small, petty matters should not harm the nation's interest.

"Whether my film Fan is a hit or not, I want to say for the last time, I will not repeat it again that there is no patriot greater than me," the actor said.

The 50-year-old Bollywood 'Badshah' also clarified about his earlier comments on the intolerance controversy, which created a lot of furore. He said his remarks were taken out of context.

"I had only advised the young to not be intolerant in matters related to religion, caste, colour, creed and region. My father was one of the youngest freedom fighters. How can I think that this country has not been fair to any of us? A man like me who has got everything from this country, I will be the last one to complain," the actor said.

"My family itself is a mini-India. My wife is a Hindu, I am a Muslim by birth and my three children follow three religions so how can I think of my country like this?," he added.
Talking about India, the actor said he loved Bharat Mata.

"Our country, our motherland, Bharat Mata, we all love it, why should we have a talk like this... I am the most proud Indian in the world because nobody has got more from this country than me."

Asked about a perception that he had friends in the Congress who wanted to "fix" Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khan said, "Meri kya majaal, kisi ko fix karoon (how can I dare to think I can fix anyone). You know me over the years, I am apolitical, though I have friends everywhere."

"I would like to state here very clearly, when we choose a leader of our country, whoever it may be, as great as Mr Modi, all we have to do is to support him. Our nation has chosen him with a majority, so we have to support our leader and take the country forward and not be negative," he said.

OneIndia News