SRK’s ethnic slur at Ram Charan from the Naatu Nattu Fame

Only Indian industrial captain Mukesh Ambani and his radiant wife Nita are wealthy and influential enough to get Bollywood’s top three Khans on the same stage together. Indeed, Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir livened up proceedings during the sangeet of the Ambani scion Anant and his betrothed Radhika Merchant at the sprawling venue in Jamnagar, Gujarat. But during the light-heartedness and light-headedness, King Khan (SRK) volubly passed some comments directed at Telugu movie star Ram Charan, which netizens are deeming an outright insult.

The celebrated trio of Hindi cinema’s superstars emerged on the stage to the sound of filmi songs that they had respectively popularised. Then, after exchanging some friendly banter and cheeky repartee, they performed the hugely famous Towel Dance. As the spot-lit entertainment progressed to the delight of the other guests, the three Khan jointly performed the Oscar-winning Naatu Naatu song from the Charan film RRR.

But in the process of beckoning the young Andhra man from the audience, SRK was heard calling him “Idli” and “Sambar”. Many people who got to see this video online did not appreciate SRK likening Charan to South Indian food. Ironically, they have deemed these culinary terms to be in “bad taste” and “unsavoury”. However, Charan himself appears to have taken the perceived slur in the right spirit and no apology from King Khan seems to be forthcoming. 

The incident might remind one of SRKs’ debut as host of the popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepathi in 2007. When asked by a contestant what the secret of his success is, he immediately replied, “Ji , mai roz idli-dosa khaata houn!” (I eat idli and dosa daily). The generally calm and composed Shah Rukh is also known for getting into squabbles during matches of his IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. The King should best restrict the antics and insults to the big screen.