Pathaan high alert: “SRK called me”, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma assures control over protests

Pathaan high alert: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said today that he spoke with megastar Shah Rukh Khan and assured him that protests against his upcoming film ‘Pathaan’ would be in control. Mr Sarma stated that Mr Khan called him early this morning about “an incident” that occurred at a state theatre.

“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,” the Chief Minister said in a tweet.

When reporters questioned Mr Sarma about the violent protests by right-wing activists against the film, he said, “Who is exactly Shah Rukh Khan? I know nothing about him or the film “Pathaan.”

After knowing about King Khan, the chief minister stated that people in the state should be concerned with Assamese films, not Bollywood.

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The remarks were made in response to questions about some activists tearing down posters for the film at a Guwahati theatre where the film is scheduled to be shown.

Earlier, the CM also stated that he had not received a call from Mr Khan and that he would look into the matter if the actor urged him to do so. He also promised action if any protester broke the law.

SRK’s film, Pathaan is set to be released on January 25, is facing backlash over the song ‘Besharam Rang,’ which depicts his co-star Deepika Padukone in a saffron bikini. Several leaders, including those from the right-wing Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have called for the film to be banned.

Pathaan high alert

Pathaan, one of 2023’s most anticipated films, stars Deepika Padukone alongside SRK and John Abraham as the antagonist. SRK and his film Pathaan have been chastised for depicting Deepika Padukone in a saffron bikini in the song ‘Besharam Rang’. Many leaders, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have called for the film to be banned.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra had also expressed displeasure with actor Deepika Padukone’s costume in the song, calling for a retraction. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) later ordered Pathaan’s producers to make changes to the film, including the songs, in accordance with board guidelines.