Mumbai, Nov 2 Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan turned 50 on Monday.
He joined the growing protests by the intelligentsia over ‘climate of intolerance’, saying there was “extreme intolerance” in the country.
Voicing his feelings over the ‘growing intolerance’ and return of awards by filmakers, science and writers, Shah Rukh said he would not hesitate to give up his awards as a “symbolic gesture” if he has to but feels he does not have to do so.
Padma Shri is among the awards in Shah Rukh’s kitty.
Shah Rukh, who has a string of hits from “Baazigar” to “Chennai Express” over a career spanning 27 years, was flooded with birthday wishes from his friends and colleagues including Salman Khan and hailed as an “energetic and inspiring” actor.
Asked whether he will give up his Padma Shri award, Shah Rukh responded, “I mean just for a symbolic gesture, yes, if I have to.” At the same time, he said, “respect those who returned awards, but I don’t have to.”
Shah Rukh also responded to criticism about actors not participating in the protest and raising their voices. He stressed that being a star, it was tough for him to take a stand on every moral issue.
To wish the actor on his milestone event, his fans started gathering outside his bungalow ‘Mannat’ since the wee hours of morning.
Shah Rukh came out to greet them and later took to Facebook to say that he is humbled by the love showered on him by his admirers.
