Pakistani writer and activist Fatima Bhutto has openly criticized Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan for extending birthday wishes to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while staying silent on the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
On Modi’s 75th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a video message praising the Indian leader’s journey and hard work. In his message, SRK said Modi’s life story—from a small town to the global stage—was an inspiration. He also admired Modi’s discipline and energy, wishing him good health and happiness.
The video quickly went viral, but it also sparked backlash. Fatima Bhutto, a strong supporter of Palestinian rights, expressed her disappointment on X (formerly Twitter).
Bhutto has often spoken out against world leaders and celebrities who ignore the suffering of Palestinians. She criticized the double standards of global figures who remain quiet about Israel’s ongoing military aggression.
Interestingly, the same evening, Shah Rukh Khan attended the premiere of his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Bads of Bollywood. The star-studded event was attended by the entire Khan family, along with many Bollywood celebrities, which shifted some of the media spotlight away from the controversy.
Meanwhile, several Hollywood stars have been more vocal about the issue. A major charity event, Together for Palestine, was recently held at Wembley Arena in London. The event brought together 69 artists, activists, and speakers, calling for an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza.
One of the highlights of the night was British actor Benedict Cumberbatch’s emotional reading of a poem by renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. His powerful performance received wide praise as it shed light on the human cost of the conflict.
The charity concert came at a time when Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has entered its second year. Human rights organizations report that Israel has dropped the equivalent of more than six atomic bombs on the heavily populated strip, leaving behind a trail of destruction and suffering.
Fatima Bhutto’s sharp criticism of Shah Rukh Khan reflects a growing demand from activists and ordinary people alike: global celebrities cannot pick and choose when to speak on human rights. For many, silence in the face of genocide is complicity.