Whenever a film like ‘Animal’ or ‘Kabir Singh’ releases which shows and in a way celebrates hypermasculinity, this debate about filmmakers having a social responsibility versus artistic freedom always pops up. A lot of people argue that bad people doing some pretty messed up things can be shown, as long as they face consequences of their actions – which none of these films seem to show.
Amidst this debate, a video of Shahrukh Khan’s speech from the recently held ‘Indian of the Year 2023’ organized by CNN News18 went viral. After Shahrukh Khan was conferred with the award, he made an interesting speech in which he spoke about being silent with dignity in the face of an adversary and putting your head down and working.
There was also this section where he spoke about telling hopeful and happy stories and playing the role of heroes who do good. He also added that if he were to play the role of a bad guy, he would make sure that the character suffers.
“I am a guy who is hopeful and tells happy stories. The heroes I play do good things, they give hope & happiness. If I play a bad guy I make sure he suffers and dies a dog’s death. Because Goodness begets goodness and badness deserves a kick in the back side,” he said.
Have a look at the video here:
Shah Rukh Khan – I am a guy who is hopeful and tells happy stories. The heroes I play do good things, they give hope & happiness. If I play a BAD GUY I make sure he suffers and dies a dog's death. Because Goodness begets goodness and badness deserves a kick in the back side. pic.twitter.com/VrNoV6h9ea
— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) January 10, 2024
Several people online found it hilarious how Shahrukh Khan, without taking any names, caused an entire fandom to have a meltdown on social media. Many also were proud of calling him their role model and for setting such a much-needed example. Here’s what some of them said:
i love how he didn’t mention anyone’s name here yet some dogs are barking and taking his words seriously as if he mentioned xyz 🤭 https://t.co/h9PHAwdiKj
— shahd (@shahodx) January 10, 2024
goodness begets goodness…. such a classy statement on how it is done right, be it in life or in movies! https://t.co/W4mteAc0u7
— Jazif. (@jazifsrant) January 10, 2024
Ranbir fans got triggered over this and he didn't even mention animal or ranbir anywhere. You know you have done something wrong when you get triggered over harmless speech for no reason. https://t.co/WZXOkNYckd
— Vedant. (@holdandbold) January 10, 2024
Yet another of me getting more proud of him 🤌 https://t.co/BJK1ABZAkT
— D🫣 (@SubhaKiDhoop) January 11, 2024
This what I meant when I say actor do have credibility 👏
This is what I grew up to
This is what I believe in
And I always knew I chose the right man to be my hero 🥹❤️ https://t.co/PaUPunZxG0— Ishita (@Ishitweetss) January 10, 2024
He is King Khan for a reason!