Compare Shahrukh's statement on religious intolerance from 2015 to his recent statement. There is consistency in what he's saying. However, he's more careful with his words right now. There is a reason for that. 1/n Thread

Some progressive commentators who have pointed out that Shahrukh's silence has enabled hate must acknowledge that when SRK said what he prophetically said in 2015, they were still in awe of Mr Modi. In fact they even criticised people for not giving him enough time. 2

You won't find any old tweets of SRK (or any influential progressive Muslim celeb) from 2012 or 13 cheering the BJP. There is enough stuff for introspection here. It's easy to delete old views but you can't undo how this optimism has influenced the course of politics in India. 3.

He remained silent even during his own son's witch-hunt. Does it mean that he was an enabler or a collaborator? You need to smoke up high quality stuff to reach that conclusion. 4.

This is not a suggestion that @iamsrk is infallible or beyond criticism but the fact that a culture has been normalised where saying the most rational and obvious truths (especially if you are a Muslim) antagonises the state, can't be attributed to SRK's actions or silence. 5.

Apart from a few movies, SRK's movies have never been outright political statements (A lot more can be said about this). Which big start for that matter has made such statements through their films in recent years? 6.

To my mind, when Sharukh said that he's the last of the stars that statement was very powerful. Most if not all our stars have actually fallen. This includes Akshay, Sachin, Sehwag, Ajay and so many others. 7.

Today when the most powerful parliamentarians and ministers like Mishra are attacking Shahrukh, you can't blame him for being silent. When the concept of equal citizenship existed beyond paper, Shahrukh took on the boycott brigade a decade back.

While you were buying time for the imagined economic wonders to happen, abusing and boycotting the weakest Muslims—street vendors and rag-pickers became cool and profitable. In some years, it was extended to influential Muslims like Owaisi, Sharukh, Hamid, Ansari and Zubair.

This is now a common sight. It reaps huge economic and political dividends. It is very understandable that Muslims with lesser privilege can quiz SRK for his silence but Y'ALL? Come on!

When Sharukh said “Ham Zinda Hain”, it was very reassuring for a people in whose lives abuse and ridicule has become a constant feature. That SRK continues to shine and be respected all over the world despite ALL THIS is very inspiring.

This is SRK's piece from 2013. Read it. Then go and delete your old tweets and posts.

Beyond SRK, there are many Muslims (far weaker) who don't want to be so courageous guards of democracy like the jailed anti-CAA protestors, Kappan and those whose houses were bulldozed. Not every student will stand up in the class when his teacher will call him a terrorist.