Aravinth's real world

Under attack from Shiv Sena, Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said it was sad that his remarks on Pakistani cricketers in IPL have been misconstrued but ruled out meeting Bal Thackeray on his own to sort out the controversy.

“I think what I said has been misconstrued. I am pro good relationship with countries. I am not pro some other country and not my own country. How is it possible?,” he told reporters outside the airport on his arrival from London amid tight security.

Asked if he would go to ‘Matoshree’, home of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who has been attacking the actor for his comments on the non-inclusion of Pakistani players in the 3rd edition of IPL, to explain his position, the actor said Bal Thackeray was a senior leader and he had gone to his residence whenever he was called.

“I have been there so often. Yes, I would like to go and have drink with him. But on this matter, I don’t see….there is no reason for going and asking….but if my stand needs to be explained to someone, I have already done it. I don’t think there is an issue on that front,” Khan said.

But the 44-year-old actor, whose upcoming film ‘My Name Is Khan’ faces threat from Sena supporters, also added that “If there is any misunderstanding. Let’s be gracious and let’s talk it out,” SRK said.

Against the backdrop of the controversy over “Mumbai belongs to all Indians”, Khan said, “I only said what every Indian should say. It is in the constitution. I don’t want to use big words. If I say anything it will be misconstrued and turned around.

“I am what I am because of Mumbai and I would like everyone in Mumbai to be happy. I think what is happening is very unfortunate. I think all the groups also want Mumbaikars to be happy then why create this kind of atmosphere.”

On why his team Kolkata Knight Riders did not pick up Pakistani players, the megastar said, “there was only one slot available and nobody told us to take or not take Pakistani players. We also have to take into consideration the prevailing atmosphere.”

To a question on how he felt about ringing the bell in NASDAQ, Khan said, “It was a great honour. I felt very proud as an Indian. It was a recognition but also I was the right person at the right moment.”

Khan and Kajol, his co-star in the film, became the first Bollywood stars to ring the opening bell of NASDAQ, the world’s biggest stock exchange. The honour is usually reserved for CEOs of major corporations.

Prajha Rajyam Party President and film star Chiranjeevi steps down as MLA of Andhra Pradesh assembly. In a press conference, Chiranjeevi said he was stepping down for a united Andhra. He also said that a united Andhra was essential for a rich Telangana.

Chiranjeevi said he was taking moral responsibility for his words during the state assembly elections. On December 7, he had rallied for a separate statehood for Telangana. Now, he has changed his stance, keeping in mind the public outcry against this decision.

Chiranjeevi, who held consultations with senior party leaders throughout the day, was understood to have come under pressure from them that the party reverse its pro-Telangana stand and extend full support to the unified state movement.

The two PRP MLAs hailing from Telangana region, however, opposed a change in the party’s stand and wanted it to stick to the Samajika (social) Telangana promise.

Senior PRP leaders tried to exert pressure on Chiranjeevi to resign as MLA and support the ongoing movement for a unified Andhra Pradesh. He hails from West Godavari in coastal Andhra and represents Tirupati assembly constituency in Rayalaseema.

15 PRP MLAs from Andhra and Rayalaseema regions have already submitted resignations and are taking part in the ongoing agitation against the proposed bifurcation of the state.

Ever since the launch of PRP in August 2008, Chiranjeevi has always supported Telangana and even included it in the party’s election manifesto this year.

Chiranjeevi maintained there would not be any change in PRP’s stand on the separate statehood issue after the political imbroglio following the Centre’s announcement on initiating the process for creation of Telangana state.