Bollywood Celebs Back Shahrukh Khan's Religious Intolerance Comment

On his 50th birthday, Shahrukh Khan had said that "there is extreme intolerance in India", apparently against the banning of Pakistani actors and artists in Maharashtra.

Shahrukh's "growing intolerance" comment angered BJP members like party general secretary Kailash Vijaywargiya and MP Yogi Adityanath.

However, several people came out in support of SRK including leaders from parties like Shiv Sena, BJP and Congress besides film personalities.

Some of the film personalities who did speak up are:

"What has happened to Shahrukh is unfortunate. I have seen the interview. I feel people are taking advantage of his statement and making it an issue," actor Riteish Deshmukh said on the sidelines of Mumbai Film Festival here today.

Echoing his sentiments, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said, "He (Shahrukh) is a big actor. He is an icon. He talks things softly. It is important to listen to him. He needs to be listened and not abused".

Extending her support to Khan, director Zoya Akhtar said, "It's silly that he has to prove his credentials. He is a huge artist. He has billions of people supporting him. He is ok...he is fine".

Actress Esha Gupta said, "He is an Indian actor who represents India internationally. One should not look into religious things".