Shah Rukh Khan - Shah Rukh Khan Sparks Political Bust-up

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has sparked an extraordinary war-of-words between politicians in his native India and neighbouring Pakistan over his safety.

The actor, one of India's leading screen stars, caused controversy by writing about the abuse he sometimes receives from his fellow citizens who believe his heart lies with the country's rival Pakistan.

Khan insists he has been "accused of bearing allegiance to our neighbouring nation than my own country" and adds, "Rallies have been held where leaders have exhorted me to leave my home and return to what they refer to as my original homeland."

The shocking claims were published in a magazine article and sparked a response from Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who called on "the government of India (to) please provide him security" - and the bust-up is now threatening to escalate into a full-scale political incident.

On Tuesday (29Jan13), India's Home Secretary Raj Kumar Singh hit back at his rival, insisting, "We are capable of looking at the security of our own citizens. Let (Malik) worry about his own."

Khan was born in India but has family ties to Peshawar, Pakistan and boasts a huge fanbase in the country.