Pakistani writer and activist Fatima Bhutto slammed Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for wishing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy birthday while staying silent on the genocide in Gaza.
On Modi’s 75th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a widely circulated video and extended wishes to the Indian leader. In his message, SRK said: “Today, on the occasion of PM Modi’s 75th birthday, I extend my best wishes to him. Your journey from a small city to the global stage has been very inspiring. Your discipline, hard work and dedication towards the country can be seen in this journey. Your energy at the age of 75 even beats young people like us. I pray that you always stay healthy and happy.”
The message triggered a sharp reaction from Bhutto, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disapproval. Sharing the video, she wrote:
“SRK wishing Modi a happy birthday in this drippy manner when he hasn’t said a word about Gaza is so telling and so embarrassing.”
Bhutto, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has repeatedly criticized global figures and institutions for their complicity or silence over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Shah Rukh Khan’s video also drew attention because he appeared later that evening at the premiere of his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood. The Khan family, including Gauri Khan, Suhana Khan, and AbRam Khan, joined numerous Bollywood celebrities at the high-profile event.
