A scene in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film ‘King’ has sparked a political controversy after Delhi BJP MLA Ravi Negi demanded its removal, threatening a nationwide boycott if the filmmakers refuse.
According to News 18, the dispute centres on the song ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’, released on 2 November, in which Deepika Padukone appears in an orange outfit while dancing with Shah Rukh.
Negi objected to the saffron-coloured costume and accused the actor of disrespecting religious sentiments. He also called Shah Rukh a “Jihadi” and alleged that Deepika was being used as a pawn. The remarks and boycott warning have drawn attention to the film before its release.
Negi compared the controversy with the 2023 dispute over Deepika’s saffron bikini in ‘Besharam Rang’, a song from Shah Rukh’s film ‘Pathaan’.
That controversy prompted protests and demands for changes from several Hindu organisations and political figures.
Negi warned that protests could spread across India unless the scene in ‘King’ was changed. Neither Shah Rukh nor Deepika has publicly responded to his remarks.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘King’ marks the sixth on-screen collaboration between Shah Rukh and Deepika. The song features vocals by Arijit Singh and Madhubanti Bagchi, with rap by Ed Sheeran. Sachin-Jigar composed the track, while Kumaar wrote the lyrics.
The film also stars Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Raghav Juyal, Arshad Warsi and Jaideep Ahlawat. ‘King’ is scheduled to reach theatres on 24 December.
