Pakistani writer and activist Fatima Bhutto has slammed Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his birthday message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling out his silence on the genocide in Gaza.

 

On the occasion of Indian Modi's 75th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a widely circulated video, extending wishes to the Indian leader. In the message, SRK said: “Today, on the occasion of PM Modi’s 75th birthday, I extend my best wishes to him. Your journey from a small city to the global stage has been very inspiring. Your discipline, hard work and dedication towards the country can be seen in this journey. Your energy at the age of 75 even beats young people like us. I pray that you always stay healthy and happy.”

 

However, the message sparked a sharp response from Fatima Bhutto, who took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice her disapproval. Sharing the video, she wrote: “SRK wishing Modi a happy birthday in this drippy manner when he hasn’t said a word about Gaza is so telling and so embarrassing.”

 

SRK wishing Modi a happy birthday in this drippy manner when he hasn’t said a word about Gaza is so telling and so embarrassing https://t.co/6CnwxqooCS

— fatima bhutto 🇵🇸🇱🇧 (@fbhutto) September 17, 2025

 

Bhutto, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has previously criticised global figures and institutions for complicity or inaction over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

 

The timing of Shah Rukh Khan’s video also drew attention due to his appearance later that evening at the premiere of his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood. The event was a high-profile affair, attended by the Khan family, including Gauri Khan, Suhana Khan, and AbRam Khan, along with numerous celebrities from the Indian film industry.

 

Meanwhile on the other side, several Hollywood stars are attending charity events for Palestine and have spoken up against the genocide in Gaza.

 

A major benefit concert titled Together for Palestine was held on Wednesday night at Wembley Arena in London, bringing together an impressive lineup of 69 artists, speakers, and activists in a unified call to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The event served as both a cultural showcase and a powerful political statement against the Israeli military assault on the Palestinian people.

 

Among the most prominent appearances was Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Marvel’s Doctor Strange, who emotionally recited a poem by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.

 

The concert took place as the Israeli genocide on Gaza nears its second year. According to international human rights organizations and media reports, Israel has dropped the equivalent of more than six atomic bombs on the densely populated Gaza Strip since the start of the campaign.