The artists' community Thursday extended strong support to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan following the Shiv Sena's threats to stop the
release of his latest film in the wake of his remark favouring Pakistani players' participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A statement by the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT)- an umbrella organisation of artists - said: "We, the community of artists, actors, musicians and cultural artists are in full solidarity with the clear stand taken by Shah Rukh Khan in facing the recent threats against him by the Shiv Sena".

"This threat issued by the Shiv Sena is only the latest in a series of campaigns by sections of the Hindu right wing against actors, artists and writers. We salute the courage of Shah Rukh Khan in standing up to these threats and want him to know that the entire creative arts community stands by him," said the statement, signed by well-known theatre personality M.K.Raina, artist and photojournalist Ram Rahman, artist Vivan Sundaram, designer and filmmaker Parthiv Shah and author Indira Chandrasekhar.

Raina said: "The state government in Maharashtra and the central government should act immediately against those issuing these violent threats. People should come forward in defence of cinema houses which screen Shah Rukh Khan's films".

Shah Rukh Khan's latest film "My Name is Khan" is all set to hit the screens Feb 12.