Mumbai:
Could there be a round of peace talks soon between Shah Rukh Khan and the Shiv Sena?
After the star landed in Mumbai on Saturday from London, Uddhav Thackeray said, "We have not spoken to Shah Rukh as yet. If he feels he has made a mistake he can come and place his views before Balasaheb. Shiv Sainiks will react based on their own anger."
Shah Rukh told reporters at the airport, "If Bal Thackeray invites me, I will meet him. Let's be patient and talk it out."
The main issue is whether the Shiv Sena will block the release of Khan's new film, My Name is Khan, which is meant to hit cinemas on February 12. In an editorial on Saturday morning, Sena chief Bal Thackeray wrote, "Sometimes we feel why are we doing all this? How do we awaken this Congress party... so go ahead. Let Pakistani cricketers play anywhere they want in the country. Let Australia continue attacking Indians. Let Pakistan continue 26/11-like attacks anywhere in India. Let Shah Rukh Khan show his film My Name Is Khan without security. Traitors with the blessings of the Congress go ahead, the Shiv Sena will not block you."
However, Sena leader Sanjay Raut clarified that the Editorial does not mean that the party will not fight Khan's film.
Mumbai's senior-most policemen have clarified that they will protect cinemas screening the film. Theatre-owners have received phone calls and letters from the Sena, warning them not to show the movie.