Shah Rukh Khan apologizes to Manoj Kumar

16 November 2007 (Sawf News) - Shah Rukh Khan has apologized to veteran actor Manoj Kumar who earlier threatened to sue him for ridiculing his mannerisms in his recently released film Om Shanti Om.

Shah Rukh denied there was any "conspiracy to humiliate and ridicule Manoj Kumar."

"I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't think this film should be taken seriously, it's a comedy," he said.

However, in bad taste Shah Rukh then referred to Manoj Kumar's age adding:

"Elderly people get jolted. Our fathers and grandfathers do that. I have a lot of respect for Manoj Kumar and I admit we should have been more careful," Shah Rukh added.

There was a hint of insincerity in Shah Rukh's apology manifest in the sarcasm he used with his explanation.

"I have been copying actors for the past 15 years. I never took anyone's permission. I think I should have called him to take his permission."

Earlier, referring to a scene in the film where his young double gets beaten up by the police outside a theatre, Manoj Kumar told CNN-IBN it was "a conspiracy to humiliate and ridicule me."

"People who make such movies do not know the meaning of respect and decency. They are criminals."

In another scene, Shah Rukh's character in the film gives a mock thank-you speech in a drunken state and later says he's Manoj Kumar.

Interestingly, Manoj Kumar has not seen the film himself.

Amongst the viewers that we surveyed a majority believe the spoof on Manoj Kumar was in bad taste.

Update

Following the publication of this article Shah Rukh Khan appeared on CNN-IBN and offered a categorical and unconditional apology