Freedom of speech means the right to keep silent: SRK

Mumbai: Actor Shah Rukh Khan, whose remarks on intolerance had kicked up a political storm last year, on Monday said freedom of speech also means the right to be silent.

He was speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming movie 'Fan' in Mumbai.

When asked about his experience after his remarks on intolerance, Shah Rukh said, "When I would watch Mumbai Indians' match against KKR, the only one appeal I would make is 'Out'...I am not getting into this. Freedom of speech means the right to keep silent also. I am very silent about this."

On his 50th birthday in November last year, Shah Rukh had said there was "extreme intolerance" in the country. "There is intolerance, there is extreme intolerance... there is I think... there is growing intolerance," he had said.

However, his remarks kicked up a controversy with several BJP members criticising him. His film 'Dilwale' also faced demonstrations in parts of the country.

However, the actor had later claimed that he never said India is intolerant and that his words were misconstrued.