KING KHAN won't RETURN his AWARDS!!

On his 50th birthday, King Khan explains why it is often difficult for people from the film industry to take a stand

Shah Rukh Khan, who turned 50 on Monday, added his voice to the growing protests by the intelligentsia saying there was "growing intolerance" in the country as "people put words in the air even before thinking". He pointed out that we keep talking about the new India, "but if this country is not secular, happy in its approach and allowing people to be... the youngsters are not going to stand for it". He added that "it's stupid to be intolerant" and that is my biggest issue.

According to the actor, "religious intolerance in this country is the worst kind of crime you can commit as a patriot". He believes that we will never be a super power if we don't believe that all religions are equal and dismiss vote bank politics as nonsense. Shah Rukh is married to a Hindu, Gauri, and his children--Aryan, Suhana and Abram--have been raised to respect all faiths.They celebrate all festivals.But he was quick to say that they should not be an example. "This should be the perfectly normal thing to do. Hindus living in perfect harmony with Muslims," he maintains.

As filmmakers, scientists and writers join the 'award vapsi gang', the actor urged respect for them because their gesture is brave, honest and clean. He admitted he had never participated in something which is as meaningful and huge. When insisted he would not hesitate to give up his awards but doesn't think he has to do so. The Padma Shri is one of the many awards that SRK has been felicitated with. Asked if he will give up India's fourth highest civilian honour which he had received in 2005, he said, "I mean just for a symbolic gesture yes, if I have to."

When asked why our actors and filmmakers don't take a stand on important issues, Shah Rukh pointed out that a film gives livelihood to hundreds of people.If his film is stopped on a Friday because of him speaking his mind then it would impact the lives of many others. "It's not a cop-out, I'm being honest," he said, adding that with great power comes great vulnerabilities. "If I take a stand on an X thing or a Y thing, people will come out and throw stones at my house but if I do take a stand, I'll stand by it. I feel sad, it's unfortunate and extremely pathetic but it's better to keep quiet and do your job."

When it was pointed out that their Hollywood counterparts are far more vocal on political issues, he argued, "How many times should I react? America, with all its issues and non-issues, has slightly more leeway."