File photos of Hema Malini and Shah Rukh Khan.
Actor and BJP lawmaker Hema Malini came out in support of Shah Rukh Khan, saying he was "targeted" for no reason.
"Shah Rukh has not said that he is going to return the award or anything. I feel that he has been targeted. I personally feel that it is not right," Hema
ji said at an event in Mumbai.
"He is an actor from our country; he has brought good name to the country; he has been liked by millions of people all over the world. We are proud of him," she said. (Also Read:
Hema Malini Calls Returning National Awards 'Politically Instigated')
Hema Malini, now a BJP Lok Sabha member from Mathura, had directed Shah Rukh in
Dil Aashna Hai at the beginning of his career.
On his 50th birthday, on October 2, Shah Rukh Khan spoke out strongly on the importance of keeping India secular, telling NDTV, "Religious intolerance is the worst thing and will take India to the dark ages." Comments like Mr Vijayvargiya's "Shah Rukh lives in India but his heart is in Pakistan" followed. He has also been compared to a 'Pakistani agent' by Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Sadhvi Prachi.
Mr Vijaywargiya, however, later recanted his statement.
Political parties and celebrities subsequently came out in Shah Rukh's support, and BJP too distanced itself from those criticising his remarks.