Statue of film star Shah Rukh Khan set for London

April 1 2015

APRIL FOOL STORY – Thanks for the interest and social media shares!

Exclusive: Fan group says it has money for homage to Indian icon and wants Anish Kapoor to make

FOLLOWING the successful campaign to get a statue of Mahatma Gandhi built in Parliament Square, London, a UK-based group calling itself ‘SRK forever’ has announced plans to build a similar statue.

No matter that their Indian film megastar (a billionaire by some accounts) is very much alive and kicking – a spokesman for ‘SRK Forever’ told www.asianculturevulture.com it would be only correct that the statue be built in close proximity to the Mahatma Gandhi one, officially unveiled a little over two weeks ago with much pomp and ceremony.

Abhiman Rai, founder and chairman of ‘SRK Forever’ told www.asianculturevulture.com: “We have raised the money through private funds and are confident we can get a good sculptor. Some have suggested Anish Kapoor, but we’re quite flexible at this point. We would be keen to hear from new artists as well.”

When asked about the location for the statue, Rai became vehement and passionate: “London is the centre of the world, every tourist visits Parliament Square and after Gandhi, Shah Rukh Khan is the most famous Indian in the world.”

Some might beg to differ with the last statement – at the unveiling of the Mahatma statue on March 14, iconic Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan was present and was joined by Britain’s prime minister David Cameron, India’s finance minister Arun Jaitley and Sajid Javid, Britain’s culture secretary.

“We don’t have an argument with Mr Bachchan being there but they should have had SRK there as well. For us, he is the bigger film star, better looking and richer. You can’t argue with any of that,” reasoned Rai.

Bachchan is older and his career spans some 40 years, and while Shah Rukh Khan is younger – he will be 50 this year – he is regarded as representing a new and more modern vanguard of Bollywood star.

“We are very excited by this idea but don’t want to be overwhelmed by it,” added Rai. “We know millions will back us, but we are a small outfit of fans totally dedicated to SRK in the UK and we feel the authorities will come on board when they realise just how many tourists will come to see a statue of SRK with his shirt off there.

“It’s a shame the Mahatma is covered, that would have made a lovely contrast. We don’t think it is inappropriate, no…not at all, just like Gandhiji and Churchill, SRK offers hope and love and can truly heal our world of division and strife.

“It is also a reminder that living people can continue to inspire and motivate.”

Rai was unable to give any time frame, but said the appropriate authorities would be contacted as soon as his organisation had lawyers and politicians on board and ready to combat any resistance.

“It will be like the freedom struggle all over again, except nobody will die. I think Gandhiji would be proud and amused, SRK Zindabad!”