The Shiv Sena had opposed the film's release after Shah Rukh
refused to apologise for saying that Pakistani cricketers should
have been included in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL)
cricket matches.
Sena activists had vandalised several theatres in Mumbai that
were to screen "My Name Is Khan", but fans of 'King
Khan' thronged cinema halls Friday, giving the thumbs down to
the Sena hooligans.
On the attacks on theatres showing his film, Shah Rukh said:
"I have no stand, no ideological issue. I'm a mere actor.
I'm genuinely sorry if my comments have hurt someone. I'm in
the business of making people happy."
The star was effusive in his praise of his director-producer
Karan Johar.
"Karan Johar is exposed to a lot more international films
than previous filmmakers. He decided not to rest in a comfort
zone and work only for money, but take the chance to make our
mark in the world. The Berlinale provided us a perfect platform.
It takes guts to get out of your comfort zone and 'My Name Is
Khan' is the first step.
"For Kajol and me, we were the right people at the right
time and right place. Indian entertainment believes that love
will conquer all, but here we've dressed it up in a way the
Western audience likes. I'm lucky to be born in the time of
Karan Johar and his direction."