"This is the real heritage and culture of India."
Shah Rukh Khan attended Lata Mangeshkar’s funeral, however, his appearance led to a lot of discussion.
The Bollywood star attended with his manager Pooja Dadlani to pay tribute to the singer.
SRK offered a dua (prayer) for Lata before lowering his mask and blowing on her as part of an Islamic ritual.
While many people found the moment to be a poignant one, others claimed he spat on the iconic playback singer.
Arun Yadav, State In-Charge of BJP Haryana’s Information Technology Department, asked if SRK spat.
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BJP’s Uttar Pradesh spokesperson Prashant Umrao also accused the actor of spitting.
Their comments led to many coming to the aid of Shah Rukh, with some accusing Arun Yadav of spreading hatred
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said:
“You aren’t just a bigot but pure evil to twist a dua said in reverence of the departed soul to spread hatred.”
Chandra Kumar Bose said: “This is the real heritage and culture of India.
“Certain religious bigots cannot digest it!”
One person said: “Unreal that people actually think one of the most prominent figures in India spat on the mortal remains of a Bharat Ratna in full media glare.”
NDTV news anchor Gargi Rawat said: “A touching gesture of blowing a dua (prayer) by SRK deliberately being misinterpreted as spitting.
“Ignorance and malice. The largest statue of equality can’t help this deliberate hate.”
Another user wrote: “Shah Rukh Khan reading a dua and blowing on Lata ji’s mortal remains for protection and blessings in the next life.
“Cannot comprehend the level of bitterness of those saying he is spitting.”
One netizen commented: “I just knew that the moment Shah Rukh Khan makes a public appearance, these hooligans will jump him.
“He can’t even read dua for a legendary singer without being vilified.
“How exactly do y’all say such things and not be absolutely ashamed of yourselves? Sigh.”
In addition to offering up a prayer, Shah Rukh Khan also laid a wreath as a mark of respect.
Lata Mangeshkar passed away in hospital aged 92, having tested positive for Covid-19 in January 2022.
She was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on January 8.
But according to reports, her condition deteriorated after she was diagnosed with pneumonia.
Lata later passed away due to multiple organ failure.
The government has announced two days of mourning and the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India.