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Shah Rukh Khan is the latest target of bigots looking to aim their negativity at as the release of his film Pathaan nears. The actor may be Bollywood’s king but time and time again, he is subject to bouts of hatred by groups who’d like to see him fail. Without bringing up the specifics, he addressed social media negativity and talked about the power cinema has to transform our perception of the world during a speech a few days ago. He was sure to let his fans know that as long as he has their support, he will be okay.

On Thursday, King Khan delivered a speech at the opening of the 28th Kolkatta International Film Festival (KIFF) and said, “Cinema, and in fact, the advent of articulation through social media platforms have now become the foremost expression of human experience and emotion. The collective narratives of our times are shaped by social media. Contrary to the belief that the spread of social media will affect cinema negatively, I believe cinema has an even more important role to play now.”

He explained that social media is often limited to a constricted and narrow view that “limits human nature to its baser self”. He said the pool of negativity only grows with its use, which is beneficial for the companies. “I read somewhere that negativity increases social media consumption and thereby increases its commercial value as well. Such pursuits enclose the collective narrative, making it divisive and destructive,” he added.

He commented on the impact cinema has on people and how it can be used to bridge the gaps. “Cinema exposes the vulnerability of human nature by telling stories in their simplest form as they are lived. It allows us to know each other better. In a way, it is best placed to sustain a collective counternarrative that speaks to the larger nature of humankind, a narrative that brings to the fore humanity’s immense capacity for compassion, unity and brotherhood.

“Meeting the world at the world of cinema is the call of the day. Not just meeting, but also using the power of cinema as a vehicle for people of different cultures, colours, castes and religion to better understand each other.”

After indirectly talking about all the hate that has been circulating on social media, the Dilwale actor led his fans know that he is okay, spreading positivity as the light in this darkness. “The world has become normal. We are all happy, I am the happiest. And I have no issue with stating that the world can do whatever, me and all the positive people, all of us are alive.” His final words, zinda hain, were uttered in the style of his character from Pathaan, spurring cheers from the crowd.

The latest criticism for Khan’s upcoming film has been by BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra who believes a song from it “has been shot with a dirty mindset” and wants the film “fixed”. The cause for his concern were “objectionable” costumes and content in song ‘Besharam Rang’.