SRK met Raj Thackeray ahead of Raees release

Mumbai: In politics and Bollywood there is a golden rule - no permanent foes. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan paid a surprise visit to MNS chief Raj Thackeray's home on Sunday before the release of his movie Raees, which stars Pakistani actor Mahira Khan.

Although social media was abuzz with the two men meeting, the MNS has stated that SRK visited Mr Thackeray to clarify that Pakistani actress Mahira Khan wouldn't be appearing for Raees's promotion. MNS general secretary, Shalini Thackeray said, “Shah Rukh Khan came to meet Raj Thackeray without any mediation from our side. There has been no threat issued from our side despite rumours.”

Before the release of writer-producer Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Mr Thackeray had issued a statement saying that this party won’t let the movie release because it starred Fawad Khan, a Pakistani actor.

However, Mr Thackeray withdrew the statement after Mr Johar agreed to deposit Rs 5 crore in the Army Welfare Scheme.

“All our issues were resolved earlier, this time we have no issues, but he (SRK) came to clarify his stand on the same,” said Ms Thackeray. The MNS has alleged that they have been used for publicity many a times. “There have been times when filmmakers have tried using us for publicity, but here that doesn't seem to be the case,” said Ms Thackeray.

It may be recalled that few years ago, SRK took a strong stand after facing the wrath of Shiv Sena during the release of his movie, My Name is Khan. SRK had made a remark stating there was no harm in including Pakistani cricketers in the IPL. The Sena wanted Mr Khan to retract his statement and apologise but SRK dug his heels and refused.  

Hence, SRK’s decision of visiting Thackeray on Sunday has become a topic of debate. The Congress seems to have taken charge of this matter. Sanjay Nirupam, Mumbai Congress chief has posed a rhetorical question to the chief minister questioning Mr Thackeray's authority under which he receives the celebrities visiting him for permission. “Is Raj Thackeray running a parallel government, that Shah Rukh Khan had to go meet him and seek his permission for releasing his movie,” said Mr Nirupam.