by Nilofar Suhrawardy 2 November 2021
Aryan would not have probably faced any imprisonment for alleged involvement in a “drug bust” case if he was not Shah Rukh Khan’s son. 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 surname. The actual picture is apparently far more grim than obvious. It demands a little focus on where has Shah Rukh erred for which Aryan is paying penalty.
Shah Rukh has not been engaged in flying kites with celebrated politicians. He has not starred in any documentary favoring the “accomplishments” of similar celebrities and/or their respective states. He has never shown any qualm in openly stating his “secular” perspective, reflected by the names of his children as well as it seems by his inter-religion marriage. His “progressively” modern as well as fashionable attitude has been marked by his having no objections to his wife’s modeling and dress worn by her for the same. Neither has he cared for criticisms levied by several clerics at the nature of her dress as well as those donned by his daughter displayed in quite a few photos.
It is debatable whether Shah Rukh should be labeled as being extra-sensitive about his “secular” identity while apparently 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 for 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 the 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 responsibility for his son having got entangled in legal complexities linked with the “drug-case,” he has been trapped in. If Aryan was not Shah Rukh’s son, this case would not have dominated headlines for a considerable stretch of time nor would it have earned publicity – negative/positive- for those engaged in this case.
That “religious” identity of key persons associated with this case appears to be probed into a little too extensively out-beats gossipmongers 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.
It seems a deliberate attempt is being made to arouse “frenzy” of a somewhat communal nature, prompting the majority to take note of Shah Rukh’s “religious” identity. If he were not a superstar, the situation may have been totally different. The question of any other Aryan’s arrest may not have surfaced. Nor would there have been any “drug-bust” case of this nature. And the probability of it receiving attention by media would not have prevailed. Here lies a major catch, perhaps of greater relevance than Shah Rukh’s “religious” identity. The desire to grab media attention, gain publicity, and so forth. It doesn’t take long for superstars to hit headlines. Thus, whatever may be superstar’s religious identity, the arrest of his/her child is bound to hit headlines.
At the same time, hype raised about political intricacies linked with the “religious” identity of Shah Rukh apparently has yet another dimension. The entire drama has been probably deliberately planned in the quest for more than media attention.
The electoral gamble of arousing anti-Muslim communal fervor ahead of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh (UP) cannot be ignored. Ayodhya-issue no longer has the appeal that it once had. Covid-phase has considerably defused aggressive nature prone to communal violence being incited amongst people in general. But, yes the tendency to tap on 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 favors 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 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!