Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan is facing widespread criticism on social media due to what has been described as a "reckless" act during his appearance on the red carpet at the Locarno Film Festival. He reportedly pushed an elderly man aside to make room for a solo photo opportunity with photographers. Social media users circulated a video of Shah Rukh pushing the elderly man while photographers were capturing his images during his honor for a lifetime achievement award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland last Saturday, making him the first Indian artist to receive this prestigious accolade, the honorary Pardo Alla Carriera.
Critics on social media condemned Shah Rukh's behavior towards the elderly man, with some accusing him of arrogance and rudeness. However, his fans defended him, suggesting that he was in a good mood and did not intentionally push the man, claiming that the elderly person was an old friend of Shah Rukh's and that the latter's action was playful.
The relationship between the artist and the elderly man remains unclear, as neither has responded to clarify whether he is a friend or not.
Shah Rukh received a warm welcome in the famous Piazza Grande, located in the center of Locarno, with a crowd filling 8,000 seats, in addition to attendees in other areas, all chanting his name. During the ceremony, a short film showcasing his career, featuring highlights from his films, was presented.
Shah Rukh expressed his happiness to be in Locarno, describing it as a beautiful, cultural, and artistic city, and thanked the audience for the warm reception he received. He mentioned improvements in his Italian language skills, as it is the primary language in Locarno, and added in Italian, "I can also cook pasta and pizza. I'm learning here in Locarno."
