Farhan Akhtar defends Aamir Khan and SRK over intolerance row

Farhan Akhtar

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar today supported superstars Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan over the "intolerance" controversy, saying everyone has the right to have an opinion and one should not always suspect a conspiracy behind it.

Farhan Akhtar

Aamir and Shah Rukh found themselves at the receiving end of harsh criticism from their colleagues, fans and many politicians, after they expressed their views on the issue of growing intolerance in the country.

"You have people voicing a certain opinion, if you think they are wrong you can correct them, but there is a manner in which you do it, with a certain degree of respect. You cannot question the intention or (attribute) motive of conspiracy behind someone's thought process all the time," Farhan told PTI.

"I feel that is bit harsh on people, who have the right to speak their minds. You have to engage with them and find out why they are saying it. If they are wrong, you can correct them but in a way that is dignified for everyone," he added.

Farhan, who has directed both the stars, there should be freedom of speech.

"I feel we live in a democracy with concept of freedom of speech. I feel people have the right to say what they feel. It is important to be able to say what one wants to. If you do not agree with them you have the right to disagree with them, that right also exists. You have to have debate and have a functioning democracy," he said.

The 41-year-old "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" star also said that citizens do feel concerned if the Parliament does not function.

"We all are very concerned when the Parliament doesn't function for the entire session because of the discourse being brought down due to a brawl...people walk out and nobody wants to engage with each other. I feel that is not the way progress can be made," he said.