Under attack from Shiv Sena, Shah Rukh Khan today said it was sad that his remarks on Pakistani cricketers in IPL have been misconstrued but ruled out meeting Bal Thackeray on his own to sort out the controversy.
"I think what I said has been misconstrued. I am pro good relationship with countries. I am not pro some other country and not my own country. How is it possible?”, he told reporters outside the airport on his arrival from London amid tight security.
Asked if he would go to 'Matoshree', home of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who has been attacking the actor for his comments on the non-inclusion of Pakistani players in the 3rd edition of IPL, to explain his position, the actor said Bal Thackeray was a senior leader and he had gone to his residence whenever he was called.
"I have been there so often. Yes, I would like to go and have drink with him. But on this matter, I don't see....there is no reason for going and asking....but if my stand needs to be explained to someone, I have already done it. I don't think there is an issue on that front," Khan said.
But the 44-year-old actor, whose upcoming film 'My Name Is Khan' faces threat from Sena supporters, also added that "If there is any misunderstanding. Let's be gracious and let's talk it out."
Against the backdrop of the controversy over "Mumbai belongs to all Indians", Khan said, "I only said what every Indian should say. It is in the constitution. I don't want to use big words. If I say anything it will be misconstrued and turned around.
"I am what I am because of Mumbai and I would like everyone in Mumbai to be happy. I think what is happening is very unfortunate. I think all the groups also want Mumbaikars to be happy then why create this kind of atmosphere."
On why his team Kolkata Knight Riders did not pick up Pakistani players, the megastar said, "there was only one slot available and nobody told us to take or not take Pakistani players. We also have to take into consideration the prevailing atmosphere."
To a question on how he felt about ringing the bell in NASDAQ, Khan said, "It was a great honour. I felt very proud as an Indian. It was a recognition but also I was the right person at the right moment."
Khan and Kajol, his co-star in the film, became the first Bollywood stars to ring the opening bell of NASDAQ, the world's biggest stock exchange. The honour is usually reserved for CEOs of major corporations.
The actor arrived here with Kajol and Karan Johar after promoting the film in New York, London and Berlin.
The trio returned home after a globe-trotting mission to promote the film, which is set to hit the screens on February 12.
