Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is facing the Shiv Sena's ire for saying that he favoured Pakistani players' inclusion in the Indian Premier League (IPL), says he is "sad" his comments are being misconstrued as being against a group.

"Sad my statements are seen as a stand against a group instead of a stand for myself and my individuality, " Shah Rukh tweeted Wednesday evening.

"Differences in ideology should be grounds for debates and discussion. A must for freedom of thought. To see it any other way is so unfortunate, " he added.

The actor, who was heading for a presser, was also upset considering the obvious questions headed his bay.

"Going for (a) press conference. (It) will be same question on same topic. (I) wish it was simpler and I could just talk about what I love most.. making films, " he posted.

Shah Rukh, who owns the Kolkata Knight Riders team of IPL, had spoken against the exclusion of Pakistani cricketers from the forthcoming tournament.

The Shiv Sena said if Shah Rukh failed to apologise for his statement, his next big release "My Name Is Khan" could be banned in Mumbai. He has also been warned that all his films could face a ban in the city if he failed to tender an apology.

"My Name Is Khan", one of the most awaited films this year, is set to release Feb 12.

Supporting the 44-year-old in his stand is the Bollywood fraternity, including actors like Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta, Mahesh Bhatt, Anupam Kher and director Anubhav Sinha to name a few.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also come out in open support of the star.