http://www.screenindia.com/news/srk-slams-critics-of-slumdog-millionaire-on-poverty-jibe/416090/
Slamming the critics of Oscar nominated 'Slumdog Millionaire', Bollywood star
Shah Rukh Khan has said that the poverty highlighted in the movie is a
"reality" and wondered why people in India tend to become cynical when
something good is happening.
"Isn't that (poverty and slums) a reality ? If you (critics) have a problem
with the word slumdog, why don't you look positively and see that there is a
word millionaire or 'crorepati' also," Khan, who returned from Los Angeles
yesterday after a month-long schedule of Karan Johar's 'My name is Khan' told
reporters.
Critics felt that the movie sells India's poverty to West and some others had
raised objections to the word 'slumdog' on grounds that people living in Indian
slums were being referred to as 'dogs'.
"I have just returned from the US and people there have become crazy about the
film and its music. The film's sound is also good apart from a good story and
screenplay. The film deserves all awards," Khan, who has read the original book
as well as the script, said.
The actor said that he does not regret declining Anil Kapoor's role in the film.
"I cant regret something which I could not have done. I don't think I would
have done justice to the role of a game show host like Anil Kapoor," he said at
the launch of his company's foray into television content last night with 'Ghar
Ki Baat hai'.
SRK said that during the period which Danny Boyle shot the film, he was already
hosting 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC) and later 'Kya Aap Panchvi Pass Se Tez
Hai'.
"I am still on contract for a new season of these shows," Khan said.
SRK said Oscars and Golden Globe awards are a symbol of international
recognition.
"I love awards and I hope to feature in a film comprising Indian cast and crew
some day which will go to win these awards," he said adding "the success of
'Slumdog Millionaire' worldwide is an incentive to all Indian filmmakers."
