'I'm getting more careful about what I say': SRK

Shah Rukh Khan seems to have sorted out things with the Shiv Sena leadership without having to apologise for his remarks backing Pakistani players and asking for their inclusion in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

In an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN's Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai, Shah Rukh says he hasn't changed his view that Pakistani cricketers must get a chance to play in the IPL. And to say that he need not apologise to anybody.

Rajdeep Sardesai: The Shiv Sena has said that they will not disrupt your film My Name Is Khan and you have said that you are ready to have a drink with the Thackerays.

Shah Rukh Khan: I think somewhere having relationships with Uddhavji (Uddhav Thackeray) and Balasaheb, we still have been conversing through TV interviews but I heard one of his where he said there was never an apology demanded.

From my point of view there was no reason, just a misinterpretation or maybe they've misunderstood what I've said.

Rajdeep Sardesai: How will you respond to those who say you've had a deal between you and the Thackerays, they will not disrupt the film, you will not say anything against them.

How would you respond to those who say that this is a deal which has been stage managed for publicity for your film?

Shah Rukh Khan: I haven't said anything against any group. For me to change that stand would be then I would be saying so I haven't said anything anti-anyone.

What was said was as a free thinking Indian. As far as stage managed etc, is concerned, you have been in the business long enough you know this can't be stage-managed.

Rajdeep Sardesai: Are you willing in a sense as some would suggest to apologise to the Thackerays for your statements where you said Pakistani players should play in the IPL.

Shah Rukh Khan: Unfortunately we are conversing through TV and I heard Uddhavji say that there was never an apology demanded or asked for and I have stated the same thing. I don't realise what is there to apologise.

He kind of said on the TV that if I explain myself which I did at the airport that I'm talking about pro relations with countries, neighbouring or otherwise, I am not pro any other country except my own and I think yes, I do stand by sports, arts, culture. I think that should be untouched by politics & I think we blame a group of people or a nation for the acts of some of them.

Rajdeep Sardesai: Let me be more specific about what you had said. You had said, I believe my country stands for democracy, goodness and welcome-ness.

We should open our arms to everyone and I think we should have a little more leeway in involving people all over the world to come and showcase their talent.

From what you are saying now, do you stand by that statement? Do you stand by the fact that you believe that the Pakistani players should be welcomed to play in the IPL?

Shah Rukh Khan: Yes. I am just hearing in the news that even the Australians are now allowed to be play. My question was: In the Commonwealth (games), aren't all the nations coming here to play? If they are, then I guess it stands even in the field of arts and culture. I think it should be untainted, removed far away from any other such aspect, which are not (related to) political or physical problems in terms of nations. So, I stand by that completely.

Yes I think everyone should be allowed to play which ever sport. Why only cricket or IPL? Whichever art, whichever culture because, you can't blame people for...people from a different field for an action of some really awful people.