Shah Rukh says his Pak, Mumbai comment is an individual stand

With the Shiv Sena pressing for an apology from him for backing Pakistani cricketers in IPL and for his remarks on Mumbai, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan today said he was sad that his statements are seen as a stand against a group instead of a stand for "myself and my individuality."

"Differences in ideology should be grounds for debate and discussions, a must for freedom of thought to see it any other way is so unforunate," he said writing in Twitter responding to fresh salvos at him from Sena leaders who have threatened to block the release of his much-awaited film 'My Name is Khan' next week.

"Sad my statements are seen as a stand against a group instead of a stand for myself and my individuality," Shah Rukh added. The star's "Mumbai belongs to all Indians" remarks had also earned the ire of the Sena.

Firing a fresh salvo at Shah Rukh today, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said he is speaking in favour of Pakistan sitting in Mumbai and in this country.

"We will not let this happen. This is the Congress opinion that SRK is voicing. SRK stays in Mumbai and Mannat is is in Mumbai and not in Pakistan," Raut said in Mumbai.

Shah Rukh has already hit back at the Shiv Sena by saying that he would stand by his statements and that his take on the issue is very strong. He added that there is no excuse for his statement and believes that he is an Indian.

He had termed the stance of the Shiv Sena as unhealthy, undemocratic and insensitive. He said that he is confident that their efforts would not affect his film commercially.