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The patriotic fervour across India has been at its peak following the success of Operation Sindoor, a major anti-terror mission conducted by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. As citizens hailed the bravery of Indian soldiers, many turned their attention to Bollywood, expecting the industry’s top stars to express solidarity and appreciation. But when icons like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, and Amitabh Bachchan remained silent, social media erupted in anger.
A Viral Video Sparks Controversy
Amidst the outrage, an old interview video of Shah Rukh Khan resurfaced and went viral, triggering fresh controversy. In the clip, the ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ actor speaks about his familial ties to Pakistan.
“My family is from Pakistan. My father is from Peshawar. I’m very proud of it. I’m from Kisakhani, Lahori Dihatti. And I have my whole family still there. I would love to go and meet them,” SRK said in the video.
He further praised Pakistan’s artistic community, stating that cultural and creative exchanges between the two nations already exist and are flourishing. “There is an amazingly peaceful and beautiful relation in the arts… Some of the greatest singers we use in our films come from there,” he added.
“It’s Politics, Not People” – A View Under Scrutiny
Shah Rukh Khan also mentioned that the perceived enmity between India and Pakistan is largely political.
“Personally, none of the Pakistanis and Indians have problems with each other… I think we’ve taken politics to a very extreme level.”
While these remarks were made years ago, the timing of the video’s re-emergence days after a critical national operation—has angered many online. Critics argue that SRK’s apparent affection for Pakistan could explain his silence on Operation Sindoor.
Social Media Erupts: “Send Him to Pakistan”
Hashtags like #BoycottSRK trended across platforms as netizens vented their frustration. One user wrote, “Isko bhejo Pakistan.” Another commented, “Why are Indians still fans of someone who talks like this?” Accusations of disloyalty and selective silence spread rapidly, despite the video’s age.
What's Next for SRK?
Despite the online uproar, Shah Rukh Khan remains one of the most prominent figures in Indian cinema. He is currently preparing for his next big project titled ‘King’. Whether or not this controversy affects his popularity remains to be seen, but the debate it has sparked reflects the heightened sensitivity in times of national crisis.
In an era where public figures are held to ever-increasing standards of patriotism and accountability, even past statements can resurface to ignite fierce national conversations.
