In a November 22 interview with The Times Of India, Shah Rukh Khan reportedly said that he didn't "want to sound pro-feminist" while praising director Gauri Shinde and co-star Alia Bhatt for their work on Dear Zindagi.
The comments came in response to a question about Bhatt and Shinde being overwhelmed while working with him:
"This film is extremely important not only for me but for them, too. I don't want to sound pro-feminist and say that these girls have made a beautiful film yaar, but they really have. I've always said that I enjoy making films with women. I'm aware that they have this respect towards me, but I haven't made them feel that way, they were just kind to feel that."
People have, understandably, expressed anger over Khan distancing himself from being termed a feminist.
Is it bait? Or just ignorance?
Many have even called him out for his patronising tone while complimenting them.
Fans have been tweeting at Khan, expressing disappointment in his statements.
It should be noted that Khan has never shied away from being "pro-feminist" in the past, and has spoken candidly about many gender issues, including the wage gap.
All of us to SRK right now:
