there is a shahrukh
in every corner
who is being judged
for his name
and ridiculed
for his rituals
there is a shahrukh
who prays
for the peace
of all the souls
yet is tagged as
outsider
or pakistani
if you love the shahrukh
you see on the screen
love every shahrukh
you meet
love every shahrukh
who wants to marry gauri
love every shahrukh
who prays to a different god
love every shahrukh
who is being told to shut up
love every shahrukh
who is accused of spreading the virus
love every shahrukh
who the media blames for everything
love every shahrukh
who loves you back
Sutputra Radheye is a poet and commentator on themes affecting the socio-eco-political scenario. His works have been published on Frontier, Countercurrents, Janata Weekly, Culture Matters (UK) and other platforms.
Featured image: Actor Shah Rukh Khan pays his last respects to legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar during her funeral, at Shivaji Park, in Mumbai, February 6, 2022. Photo: PTI