KJo terrified after SRK backlash

After the backlash to Shah Rukh Khan’s statements on Prophet Mohammad, a terrified Karan Johar intensifies research for My Name is Khan

Filmmakers have to be careful when making films on subjects that might hurt people’s sentiments. And more so, if the filmmaker is Karan Johar, making a film on terrorism with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. Given the flurry over the actor’s recent comments on Prophet Mohammad, Karan has gone back to his research books, lest his film, My Name is Khan causes any controversy.

Karan knows he’s walking on glass here with his film and is taking every precaution to see that he doesn’t cross the line. In fact, all filmmakers are putting in extra effort to make sure that they maintain religious and cultural decorum. From Rahul Dholakia, who is making Lamha on Kashmir and the issue of identity in the valley, to Kabir Khan, whose New York is about an NRI Muslim’s confinement in the US for suspected terrorism, they’re all praying that their sensitive films be taken in the right light. They’re hoping that the intolerant sections of the society do not raise an outcry for apparent slights to their religion and beliefs.

Following the unforeseen volatile reaction to Shah Rukh’s statements, Karan is re-checking the facts that form the basis of his research on the film. Reveals a source, “My Name is Khan is a new territory for Karan. He has never done such a subject before. Though Karan insists it’s humane not a political subject, the fact is My Name is Khan is about Islamic isolation and about one individual Muslim’s fight for his dignity in an increasingly hostile world. The last thing Karan wants is fundamentalist groups questioning him about the film.”

There are already murmurs of protest against the film and it can be recalled that while shooting in the US, the unit was denied permission to shoot in a local mosque and a few Muslim members of the unit were simply denied visas to go to US for the shoot.

Our source adds, “Karan is only more adamant now and won’t have his film stopped by protestors. My name is Khan and Qurbaan, his films on sensitive subjects continue to have Muslims Shah Rukh and Saif Ali Khan in lead roles.”

Shahrukh Khan AD Shoot on Location - Video

SRK says no to Gowariker

After burning his hands with Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades (2004) which flopped at the box-office, Shah Rukh has flatly refused to work with the director for his next venture. Ashutosh offered SRK a role in a period film with Rani Mukerji as his screen partner, but after Swades, Shah Rukh isn't taking any chances.

Apparently, working with Gowariker on Swades wasn't one of the highlights of Shah Rukh's life, but Ashutosh asked him to forget the past and start afresh. Ashutosh also offered him incentives to make up for the experience. Our source said, “Ashutosh even told Shah Rukh that they could co-produce the film and he had no issues with Shah Rukh's style of working on commission basis. But even this did not evoke a favourable response.”

Meanwhile, Rani Mukerji is finally over her Yash Raj hangover. Her previous three films under the YRF banner: Laaga Chunri Mein Daag, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic tanked at the box-office.

While Shah Rukh Khan remained unavailable for comment, Ashutosh Gowariker chose not to speak.

'I always follow the word of the Prophet'

SRK clarifies that he has never said anything against the Prophet in an interview

It is really unfortunate that a section of people are reacting to some interview of mine in the way that is best describeable as an unfounded overreaction.

To clarify...there is a mistake either in the way my statement is printed or misinterpretation on behalf of the writer of the piece.

When asked who I think are the most influential people in the world, I had stated that on the negative side there are a few and very clearly said which is also my utmost belief that Prophet Mohammad has had the most positive influence on the world.

I think the way it has been written makes it read otherwise and I don't think the writer intended it to be so either.

It's just a grammatical and writing oversight. But obviously some people would like to believe baselessly that I have belittled our Prophet.

This is completely wrong because if one was to see my interviews over the past 20 yrs, I always quote on the teachings of the Prophet and how relevant his words are in a positive way.

Whether I speak on terrorism or women or just tolerance I always follow the word of the Prophet because that is what I have been brought up on and that is what I have studied and believed.

As a matter of fact, I personally try and follow all the tenets laid down by the Prophet.

It is unfortunate when people around the world say that I speak so well on behalf of my religion always, there is a section of people in my country who have not understood and appreciated my stance on Islam and the Prophet and are reacting to a misprint.

I would appeal to the good hearts of all people, Muslim and otherwise, that before the media makes all of us a tool for sensationalising every little misinformation, please look at this and all issues with a clearer perspective and only then react.

I have for so many years led a life as a good human being and a Muslim as has been possible, why would I take a stance of hurting the sentiments of my own people.

My parents, Allah bless their souls, would never forgive me if I did something against the teachings of the Koran and the Prophet.

I think I am a good Muslim and I don't need to explain that to anyone, but hopefully the people who are reacting wrongly, will have it in their hearts to respect their own Muslim brother and teachings of our religion and see sense and please stop the whole overreaction to a printing error, for it is nothing more than that, I assure.

For years, I have spoken not only to my friends and family, but to everyone about my great belief in the words of the Prophet.

Why would I, in any which way, lessen the importance of the most revered messenger of Allah and lessen my own existence as a human being and a Muslim?

Hope the matter gets sorted and we move onto all the better ways of thinking and loving our people and our religion.

And because of the printing/misinterpretation if any sentiments are hurt, I ask for forgiveness first from Allah and then from all those who are emotionally disturbed and promise that I will always check the copy of the journalists who do interviews with me, especially on sensitive issues.

That would be a practical solution to curbing any such misunderstanding in the future. Hope this will end the matter peacefully.