New Delhi, Dec 03: he dimpled heart-throb of millions across the globe Shah Rukh Khan says he would give up his life for his country than be swayed by western interests, which exploit communal sentiments of the people. ''I would give my life for my country,'' he said in an interview to a news agency World's Asia today, broadcast today. The screen icon was in Singapore over the weekend for a concert. Shah Rukh, whose latest film ''kal Ho Na Ho'' has reportedly notched up a million dollars in its US opening, spoke about his feelings on religion and communal divide in India and the film industry, which is the biggest in the world making more than 800 films annually. ''I don't think there is a category like an Indian Hindu or Indian Muslim... I think a country does come first... I think that's what we all believe except a few western interests who like to exploit this silly logic of being a Muslim first or an Indian first,'' the versatile actor said. ''I'm 100 per cent an Indian first and my religion is Islam... I have great faith in Islam... But I have very less faith in people who think Islam is only aggressive and violent... But as I said I would give my life for my country,'' the Bollywood superstar said.

On how he felt at being on the top of his profession, Shah Rukh said, ''I feel chosen... Blessed and I feel guilty that I'm not doing enough good work to thank the people who in so many numbers have liked me and made me achieve what I have.

''I think that one lifetime will be too short to say thanks to everyone,'' said the actor-producer who has been in the film industry for over a decade and has enthralled audiences with memorable films like 'Devdas', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', 'Dil To Pagal Hai', 'Darr and 'Baazigar', to name a few.


The actor who likes to drive himself to the optimum, said, ''I feel very humble, I feel very small and I wished I had much more physical strength to come up to the desired expectations of the people.''


Bureau Report