15 Years of My Name Is Khan EXCLUSIVE: Niranjan Iyengar recalls the pre-release controversy: “Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan were very stressed; Maharashtra government had assured us that no one can stop its release”

My Name Is Khan (2010), directed by Karan Johar, completed 15 years on February 12. The film is remembered today not just for Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic performance, emotional moments and soulful music but also the controversy that erupted during the release of the film. Shah Rukh’s statement that Pakistani players be allowed to play in the IPL tournament was condemned by Shiv Sena. They demanded that My Name Is Khan should not be allowed to be released. On February 9, 2010, they tore the screen in multiple theatres in Mumbai and ransacked a booking counter at another screen. On the day of screening, the morning shows were cancelled due to protests and fears of vandalism. From noon, theatres commenced screenings and most cinemas were given police protection. As these shows went on peacefully, theatres in smaller centres got the confidence to play My Name Is Khan. What also was heartening to see that despite the fears, moviegoers came out in full force to support the film and also SRK.

Bollywood Hungama spoke to Niranjan Iyengar, the lyricist and one of the dialogue writers on My Name Is Khan, about his experience of working on the film. When asked about what was the mood of the team before the release, he said, “We were very stressed about the political situation. But the film managed to release on the scheduled date. A day before the release, we had received an assurance from the Chief Minister (Ashok Chavan) that the film would be released in cinemas and nothing would happen. As he promised, nothing really happened once it was released. It was pre-release that there was a controversy.”

Niranjan continued, “I remember Karan and Shah Rukh were very stressed. When that issue had blown up and there were fears that the film couldn't be released in Mumbai and Maharashtra, we were in Abu Dhabi for the premiere of My Name Is Khan. Hence, we were out of the country, adding to our stress. By the time we returned, things had settled up. The Maharashtra government supported us and assured us that no one can stop its release.”

Niranjan Iyengar further said, “In some pockets, it didn’t get a release and revenue-wise, the film suffered. But it received a lot of love that it deserved. Even today, it is considered an iconic film and one of the best films of Karan Johar. Shah Rukh Khan is known for that role. The music is still played with the same enthusiasm.”

Also Read:My Name Is Khan Turns 14: Kajol shares throwback photo with Shah Rukh Khan: “Celebrating the enduring power of love and unity”

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