Spineless: SRK receives flak for video in praise of Modi and Indian parliament

In a surprising turn of events, Bollywood’s superstar Shah Rukh Khan sang praises of the new parliament building in India while lauding Narendra Modi and people who “uphold” the country’s constitution. He lent his voice to a video honouring the Indian government and the newly-constructed home for parliamentarians, evoking nationalist sentiments while expressing his patriotism. 

What a magnificent new home for the people who uphold our Constitution, represent every citizen of this great Nation and protect the diversity of her one People @narendramodi ji.
A new Parliament building for a New India but with the age old dream of Glory for India. Jai Hind!… pic.twitter.com/FjXFZwYk2T

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) May 27, 2023

With the music of Swades playing in the background, Shah Rukh Khan, can be heard saying in the video, “The new parliament building. The new house of our hopes. A home for the people who uphold our constitution where 140 crore Indians become one family. May this new home be so big that it has a place for everyone from every village, city and every corner of the country. May the arms of the new home embrace people from all castes, creeds and religions. It is said that a parliament is what soul is to the body. My sincerest prayers that the soul of democracy stays robust in its new home.”

In his tweet, Khan wrote, "What a magnificent new home for the people who uphold our constitution, represent every citizen of this great Nation and protect the diversity of her one people Narendra Modi ji. A new Parliament building for a New India but with the age-old dream of Glory for India. Jai Hind!" He capped off with the hashtag “My Parliament My Pride”.

Reacting to Khan's post, the Indian premier replied, “Beautifully expressed! The new Parliament building is a symbol of democratic strength and progress. It blends tradition with modernity.”

Beautifully expressed!

The new Parliament building is a symbol of democratic strength and progress. It blends tradition with modernity. #MyParliamentMyPride https://t.co/Z1K1nyjA1X

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 27, 2023

Many on the micro-blogging site were not pleased. “Modi magic, good one,” wrote a user. “My favourite actor but a spineless one, how sad!” lamented a tweep. “When Aryan was arrested, it wasn’t Modi ji who came to help you, Shah Rukh. There’s a limit,” added another. “How much?” inquired another, suggesting the star’s been bought. “This made me sad,” chimed in another. “Next time when a boycott of your movie is called, it’s going to be very interesting,” reflected a user.

Modi magic 🪄 good one 👌🏻

— Sia (@anytimegorgeous) May 27, 2023

My favorite actor but a spineless one . How sad !

— Shy (@Shaina43615028) May 27, 2023

Aryan ke time Modi ji nahi aye the help ko Shah rukh. Hadd hoti hain.

— Shirin Khan (@Shirinkhan0) May 27, 2023

How much ?

— मैं भी चौकीदार 2.0 (@AdyAl08) May 27, 2023

Dukh hua 🥹

— Arijit Biswas (@paulphoenix1985) May 27, 2023

Next time when a boycott of your movie is called, it’s going to be very interesting.

— zs041972 (@suz041972) May 27, 2023

Several, however, came to SRK’s defense. “I am a big sceptic of this one [Modi]. But if SRK is on board, I am on board,” commented a supportive fan. “I got goosebumps!” exclaimed one more. “Listen carefully, he is teaching the emperor that India is ruled by its people,” retorted a user. “This is the best rendition of this video edit. For all those crying in the corner, maybe it's time for you to crossover too!” demanded another.

pic.twitter.com/LfK8arNjtl

— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) May 27, 2023

I am a big sceptic of this one.
But if SRK is on board
I am on board

— Indranil (@TheBombayBombil) May 27, 2023

I got goosebumps !! #jaihind #beautiful

— Divya Agarwal (@Divyakitweet) May 27, 2023

I also thought so first but listen carefully, he is teaching the emperor that India is ruled by its people.

— TAN90 (@ChetanDutt) May 28, 2023

This is the best rendition of this video edit. For all those crying in the corner, maybe it's time for you to crossover too!

— Pratik V (@ResearchMonk) May 27, 2023

Modi, who had urged people to share a video of the new building on Twitter with the hashtag "My Parliament My Pride", also noted that through very emotional voiceovers, people are conveying a spirit of pride for the Indian nation on getting a new parliament which will "keep working to fulfil people's aspirations with more vigour."

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