‘Didn’t know Shah Rukh; I only know film stars of my time’: CM Sarma
Amid opposition's attack on "I don't know Shah Rukh Khan" remarks, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 23rd said that he only knows film actors of his time and doesn't know about the current film stars like Shah Rukh Khan.
Replying to a question about not knowing Shah Rukh Khan until Saturday and then picking up his call at 2 am, Sarma said that he still doesn't know him and the Bollywood superstar introduced himself by texting him.
"I'm Shah Rukh Khan and I want to talk to you." "I only know that he has made some films, I know him to that extent," CM Sarma said.
I know film stars of my time. I didn't know Shah Rukh. He sent a message & introduced himself- 'I'm Shah Rukh Khan. I want to speak to you'. I didn't have time then. So later at 2am, we spoke & I told him that there'll be no disturbance in Assam (regarding movie Pathaan):Assam CM pic.twitter.com/FAPSg6b8Q3
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2023
Explaining to the mediaperson the whole scene, CM Sarma said that someone known told him that Shah Rukh Khan would call him. At 7:15 pm, he received a text message - "I'm Shah Rukh Khan and I want to talk to you." He didn't reply as he was busy at the time. At around 2 am, CM Sarma texted the Bollywood star that he could now call him and had a conversation with him regarding the "Pathaan" movie release in the state.
The Assam Chief Minister ensured Khan that no such untoward incidents would take place as it's the duty of the state government to maintain law and order.
CM Sarma was under opposition’s attack after his ‘don’t know SRK’ remarks. The opposition leaders termed him 'volte face' as a publicity stunt.
"Pathaan" is set to release on January 25th amid controversy, facing protests from Hindu outfits in several states over the controversy of hurting Hindu sentiments by wearing saffron color bikini in the "Besharam Rang" song. Hindutva groups are protesting the release of the movie in the state theatres. As CM Sarma was asked to comment on the protest, he said he was not aware of Shah Rukh Khan or Pathaan.
First published: 23 January 2023, 16:32 IST