Shah Rukh Khan attends the launch of the Times of India

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said Tuesday (29 Jan) that he did not feel unsafe in India and that it was sad that an article written by him had taken an "Unwarranted Twist."

Speaking at an event to launch the Times of India Film Awards in Mumbai, Khan read out a statement and excerpts from his article, which he wrote for a weekly English magazine.

"Ironically this article that I wrote, yes, it's written by me, was actually meant to reiterate that at some occasions me being Indian Muslim film star is used by bigots and the narrow minded people who have misplaced religious ideology for very small gains," he said.

The controversy started after Pakistan's Interior Minister Rahman Malik said that India should take care of Khan's security, drawing sharp reactions from India.

The 47-year-old actor said it was ironic that people were reacting to his article without even reading it.

"I would like to tell all those who are offering me unsolicited advice that we in India are extremely safe and happy. We have amazing democratic, free and secular way of life. In the (unintelligible) we live here in my country India, we have no safety issues of life or material. As a matter of fact, it is irksome to clarify this non-existent issue. In fact I would like to say anyone who is interpreting my views and offering advice regarding them, please read what I have written first," khan said in his statement.

Khan said he will be performing for the newly launched Times of India Film Awards or TOIFA, aimed at honouring and recognizing excellence in Hindi Cinema.

In its first year, TOIFA will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from April 4 to 6 this year, Khan announced.

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most popular Indian actors and has a huge fan following across the world.