Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Hindi film actor actor Shahrukh Khan talked to him over the phone early Sunday and expressed concern over a protest against his new film ‘Pathaan’ in the city.
Sarma assured the actor that his government will enquire about the demonstration against the movie and ensure that “no such untoward incidents” would occur again.
The development comes a day after the CM had said “who is Shahrukh Khan? I don’t know anything about him or his film Pathaan” while responding to queries by reporters about the violent protest by Bajrang Dal activists, who stormed a theatre at Narengi in the city Friday, where the film is slated to be screened.
The far right-wing group’s volunteers tore down the film’s posters and burnt them.
“Bollywood actor Shri @iamsrk called me and we talked today morning at 2 am. He expressed concern about an incident in Guwahati during the screening of his film. I assured him that it’s the duty of the state govt to maintain law & order. We’ll enquire and ensure no such untoward incidents,” Sarma said on Twitter.
Notably, the CM had Saturday said action would be taken if law and order is violated, though Khan had not called him over the matter.
Shahrukh Khan and the movie ‘Pathaan’ are facing a backlash from far-right ‘Hindutva’ groups for showing Deepika Padukone in a saffron bikini in the song ‘Besharam Rang’.
Many leaders, including those in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have demanded a ban on the film.
‘Pathaan’, which has been directed by Siddharth Anand, will be released January 25.
PTI