Kolkata: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan on Thursday said that whatever happens surrounding people like him, they will stay positive. The comments came in the midst of a row over a song in his upcoming film 'Pathaan'. Addressing a gathering on the occasion of the inauguration of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), Khan said cinema brings to the fore humanity's immense capacity for compassion, unity and brotherhood.
"No matter what, people like us will stay positive," he said. Protests have been staged in various parts of the country alleging a community has been offended by the content of the song "Besharam Rang" in the yet to be released movie 'Pathaan'. "Cinema is the best place to sustain a counter-narrative that speaks to the larger nature of humankind," Khan, the guest of honour at KIFF, said. The superstar also described cinema as a vehicle "for people of different colours, castes and religions to better understand each other".
Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan also inaugurated the 28th International Kolkata Film Festival. Apart from them, actors Rani Mukerjee, Mahesh Babu, CM Mamta Banerjee and cricketer Sourav Ganguly also attended the grand inaugural function.
The 'Swades' actor donned a black three-piece suit, while Rani was seen twinning with her 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' co-actor and opted for a beautiful black saree. "At present times of political unrest, the children of India try to reject the ideas of the West, it's the lesson they've received from the West. Such isn't our mission. India's there to unite all races. These words of Tagore must echo in all Indians' hearts," Mahesh Bhatt said.