Raj Thackeray distances himself from 'Dilwale' controversy

Mumbai, Dec 15: A day after the MNS-affiliated Chitrapat Karmachari Sena appealed people not to watch Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Dilwale', party chief Raj Thackeray sought to distance himself from the controversy, saying boycotting the actor's film was not his party's official stand.

MNS Chitrapat Karmachari Sena chief Amey Khopkar had yesterday appealed to people to not watch 'Dilwale', which is slated to release later this week, citing ignorance on part of the actor towards farmers' plight in Maharashtra.

"Shah Rukh Khan donated Rs 1 crore for people who have been affected by Chennai (floods) tragedy. But he has forgotten drought-hit farmers of Maharashtra.This has been condemned by the Chitrapat Sena," Thackeray said in a release issued here.

"What it (Chitrapat Sena) is saying is right.Coming to Maharashtra, becoming big, earning a name for yourself and then forgetting the state is not right.He (Shah Rukh) should understand this. Nevertheless, I want to make it clear that Chitrapat Sena's stand of boycotting the film is not an official stand of the party," Raj further said.

Khopkar had yesterday alleged that Shah Rukh has made lot of money, but has not helped farmers in distress and that when his help is needed, he is not forthcoming.

One of Bollywood's most popular on-screen pairs Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol are reuniting on the big screen in Rohit Shetty's 'Dilwale', releasing on December 18.

PTI