Nilofer Suhrawardy

It is no secret that celebrities have not refrained from exercising their political rights by aligning with parties in keeping with their ‘inclinations'

If Aryan Khan was not Shah Rukh Khan's son, in all probability, he would not have faced any imprisonment for alleged involvement in a “drug bust” case. Yes, this case demands analysis not simply on the degree to which Aryan has been falsely/genuinely accused but also on whether he is “suffering” for being a superstar's son. Here, the issue is not just that of his father's religious identity and their surname. The actual picture is apparently far more grim than obvious. It demands a little focus on where Shah Rukh erred for which Aryan is paying the penalty.

Shah Rukh has not been engaged in flying kites with celebrated politicians. He has not starred in any documentary favouring “accomplishments” of celebrities and/or their respective states. He has never showed any qualm in openly stating his “secular” perspective, reflected by names of his children as well as it seems by his inter-religious marriage. His “progressively” modern as well as fashionable attitude has been marked his having no objections to his wife's modelling and dresses worn by her for the same. Neither has he cared for criticisms levied by several clerics on the nature of her dresses as well as those of his daughter.

So where did he err? It is debatable whether Shah Rukh should be labelled as being extra-sensitive about his “secular” identity while choosing not to display any political friendship towards probably those “eager” for the same. Should it be assumed that his “national” priorities in keeping with his constitutional rights and duties matter more to him than giving special importance to certain political concerns? It is not a secret that quite a few Bollywood celebrities have not refrained from exercising their political rights by aligning with/joining parties in keeping with their “inclinations”. Such a signal has not yet been openly displayed by Shah Rukh Khan.

Of course, he along with his other Bollywood colleagues has displayed extra-concern while exercising right to vote but without any open announcement of their respective political priorities. What does this suggest? Should it be assumed his option to be extra-cautious about not bending towards certain politicians as well as parties they are linked with has proved to be fairly costly for him? It is possible.

At present, this may be viewed as only a probable reason but certainly not the primary one responsible for his son having got entangled in legal complexities linked with the “drugs case”. If Aryan was not Shah Rukh's son, neither would this case have dominated headlines for a considerable stretch of time nor would it have earned publicity for all those involved.

That “religious” identity of key persons associated with this case appears to be probed a little too extensively out-beats gossip mongers at practically all levels. Give another thought to this. From one angle, there is nothing astonishing about this being elaborated upon from various angles, of which the chief is religious “identity” of Shah Rukh and that of Aryan, which is linked with the name — Khan.

At the same time, hype raised about political intricacies linked with “religious” identity of Shah Rukh apparently has yet another dimension. The entire-drama has been probably deliberately planned in quest for more than media-attention.

Electoral gambles of polarising communally ahead of the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh cannot be ignored. The Ayodhya-issue no longer has the appeal that it once had. The Covid fear has considerably defused. Yes, the tendency to tap anti-Muslim bias still prevails. Were UP polls not around the corner, Aryan may not have fallen victim to this? On his part, Shah Rukh Khan has acted wisely in not being caught in this complex political web. There are not any reports of his rushing for political favours or issuing any statements, tweets, etc. He has sought primarily what was needed most, the best possible legal help to secure Aryan's bail.

It wouldn't be surprising if the case gradually loses people's attention (after Aryan's bail) and is almost forgotten about. Chances are that minimal importance will be given to deliberating upon at whose behest and why was this actually “planned”.

Notwithstanding the perils faced by Aryan and his family because of his having been denied bail for 25 days, the whole drama has an interesting twist. It has helped Aryan remain in the limelight and become almost a household name which probably the best advertising agencies may not have helped in accomplishing within such a short period. Perhaps, Shah Rukh has reason enough to have the last laugh!

(The writer is a senior journalist and author. The views expressed are personal.)