In a video released by his publicist, the 59-year-old 'Vishwaroopam' star thanked Modi for picking him even as he insisted that his peers -- Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra -- besides leaders like Shashi Tharoor and industrialist Anil Ambani, were challenged by the Prime Minister in recognition of what they had already done and were capable of.
"I think this cleansing is something I have been doing for the past 20 years with the help of my fans who have converted into a social service organisation. My work continues. It is not a public relations exercise. As far as I am concerned it is a public work I am part of," he said.
"I will pursue this (his efforts) agnostic of party, politics and various philosophies. And all nine peers with whom I am honoured to work with are not people who have the same philosophy as I, but I am their brother," he said while thanking the Prime Minister and his office for naming him.
"It is not connected to just one party. It is connected to those one billion plus that we are that constitutes this country. Thank you, thank you for awakening my commitment again," he said and signed off with the traditional 'Namskar.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
