In a career spanning over 30 years, Shah Rukh Khan has given some memorable interviews and proved that when it comes to witty remarks, he truly is the king.

Now, his old interview with Farida Jalal has surfaced on social media, where he talks about the freedom of speech and freedom of the press. And the thoughts he voices are relevant even today.

In the brief clipping, Farida Jalal asks him about his political affiliations, especially in light of his family’s political connections. His father was a freedom fighter, and as Shah Rukh himself states, his family has always closely followed the country’s political scenario.

He talks about how his father would always remind him that the freedom he enjoys is a freedom that he’s been gifted.
He also shares that we, as citizens of India, don’t own the country – but rather as citizens it is about what we can do for the country.

He talks about how, when he comes across anti-national people or elements, it saddens him to see them believe this country is not their home. Because that, in turn, makes him believe that he is not fulfilling the promise he made to his father – of keeping this country free.

People took to Twitter to talk about how relevant his message was:
Outstanding and so relevant even today.
— Indranil Mandal (@indranilmandal) June 2, 2019
Beautiful speech, very arranged, very convincing…
— Jean Luc Kalula🇨🇩🇮🇳 (@DoctormacJ) June 2, 2019
He’s soo knowledgeable..is there anything he doesn’t know? .His perspectives guide us to a new way of life..Nd whenever he speaks u want to listen more and more.💯❤️
— ankita garhewal (@AnkitaGarhewal) June 3, 2019
Besides being one the finest actor, he has this intelligent and witty personality. I love the clarity of thoughts that he has presented in this video. Forever charming #ShahRukhKhan
— Himani Tewary (@himanitewary) June 2, 2019
He has always been very wise and forthright in his views and never been subservient to the govt in power .
— Kirty Kochar (@kirty_kochar) June 2, 2019
Shahrukh is no BS, straightforward lad and I like few of these qualities about him.
— 🕳️ (@turtlemayank) June 2, 2019
He is the real hero in every https://t.co/ehsUopvcCp much respect for him #loveyousrk
— Jitesh (@jiteshsingh841) June 3, 2019
You can see the actual clipping here, as shared by Twitter user Shivam Vij:
#ShahRukhKhan talking about freedom of speech, freedom of press, not falling for speculations and anti-national elements to Farida Jalal way back in the 90s is incredibly relevant even now. “We are the citizens of this country, we don’t own it.”pic.twitter.com/L5hbcuC6Nx
— Shivam Vij (@DilliDurAst) June 2, 2019
You can also watch the complete interview here:
Even today, years after the interview first surfaced, his words are relevant about how we should view our country, and work for its development.