SRK buckles under pressure from Muslim groups

SRK buckles under pressure from Muslim groups
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 12:10 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Buckling under pressure from Muslim religious groups and other sections, the Shah Rukh Khan-owned Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders Monday announced they were putting on hold their association with innerware brand Lux Cozi.

KKR had drawn flak from various sections for associating with the innerware brand owned by Ashok Todi, an accused in the suicide case of Rizwanur Rahman - a Muslim computer teacher who had married Todi's daughter Priyanka.

"Respecting the sentiments of Kolkata and people of Bengal, both Lux Industries and KKR have decided to put their association on hold until issues are resolved and the sensitivities of the aggrieved group are adequately addressed, " the team said in a release.

A KKR official said with the deal off, the players' jerseys will not sport the logo of the innerware brand.

"In terms of advertisement, merchandising, and branding of uniform, which were the outcome of the tie-up, none of them will now happen, " the official said.

"Shah Rukh Khan's endorsements of the company's products will also stop. And the advertisements will be taken off the media, " he said.

"As for merchandising, some pants, cricketing gear and T-shirts have already been sold out. We will put a stop to all orders which were supposed to hit the market in the coming days, " he said.

As per the contract, the innerwear brand was to be associated with KKR's apparel merchandising, while the company had also roped in Shah Rukh as its brand ambassador.

Earlier this month, a Muslim cleric issued a fatwa seeking a boycott of SRK's latest film "My Name is Khan" for KKR's tie-up with Lux Cozi.

"He has lots of money. Why is he becoming the brand ambassador of a company owned by such a controversial man?

I am issuing a fatwa to all Hindus and Muslims to boycott the movie, " said Syed Noor-ur-Rehman Barkati, the Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque in Kolkata.

However, Barkati welcomed SRK's decision Monday. "I appreciate his gesture of parting ways with the Todis."

Some thinkers had also called a meeting in the city Monday to protest KKR'S tie-up with the brand.

The death of Rizwanur, whose body was found Sep 21, 2007, along the railway tracks at Patipukur near the city's suburb of Dum Dum, sparked outrage following allegations that Todi had influenced several police officers to bring pressure on the youth to opt out of the marriage with his daughter.

Several police officers, including the city police commissioner, were later removed from their posts for their alleged role in Rizwanur's death. Todi, two of his relatives and four senior city police officers were among those later chargesheeted for allegedly abetting Rizwan's suicide.
Sanjay Dutt calls The Bhootnii a perfect horror-comedy blend and reveals what made him come on board for the film!

Renowned for his intense performances and larger-than-life screen presence, Sanjay Dutt is set to

Friday, April 04, 2025
Sara Ali Khan Embraces Spirituality at Karnataka's Chandramauleshwara Temple!

Actress Sara Ali Khan, known for her elegance and grounded nature, once again showcased her deep spiritual

Friday, April 04, 2025
Tanya Maniktala reveals what makes her latest series Loot Kaand a compelling watch on Amazon MX Player!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service, turned up the heat with its latest series, Loot Kaand, a

Friday, April 04, 2025
Shilpa Shetty emphasises perseverance as the key to success at Femina Circle's empowering debut in Pune!

Femina Circle, is an exclusive membership club designed for women to connect, foster meaningful

Friday, April 04, 2025
Badshah Gets Emotional Remembering Sidhu Moose Wala During 'Indian Idol 15' Finale!

The grand finale of ‘Indian Idol Season 15’ turned emotional as rapper and music sensation Badshah

Friday, April 04, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT