Pakistani writer and activist Fatima Bhutto has criticized Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his birthday message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhutto highlighted the actor’s silence on the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
On the occasion of Modi’s 75th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a video wishing the Indian leader. He said, “Your journey from a small city to the global stage has been very inspiring. Your discipline, hard work, and dedication towards the country can be seen in this journey. Your energy at the age of 75 even beats young people like us. I pray that you always stay healthy and happy.”
The message quickly sparked backlash. Fatima Bhutto shared the video on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, writing: “SRK wishing Modi a happy birthday in this drippy manner when he hasn’t said a word about Gaza is so telling and so embarrassing.” Bhutto, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has previously criticized global figures for inaction over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Shah Rukh Khan’s video also coincided with the premiere of his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood. The high-profile event in Mumbai saw attendance from the Khan family, including Gauri Khan, Suhana Khan, and AbRam Khan, as well as numerous Bollywood celebrities.
Meanwhile, several international celebrities have actively spoken out against the conflict in Gaza. A major benefit concert, Together for Palestine, was held at Wembley Arena in London, featuring 69 artists, speakers, and activists. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch emotionally recited a poem by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The concert aimed to draw global attention to the escalating conflict in Gaza, which has now entered its second year. Reports from international organizations claim that Israel’s military campaign has caused widespread devastation equivalent to over six atomic bombs dropped on the densely populated region.
Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday message to PM Modi thus sparked debate, contrasting with the active global advocacy for Palestinian rights, and highlighting the growing expectations for public figures to speak on international humanitarian issues.
In other news read more about The Bads of Bollywood Review and Release: Aryan Khan’s Debut Hits Netflix
