New Delhi: After veteran actor Manoj Kumar threatened to sue filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Shah Rukh Khan for aping him in their newest film, Om Shanti Om, SRK has come forward with an apology.

Denying that there was a "conspiracy to humilitate and ridicule Manoj Kumar", Shah Rukh Khan said, "I don't want to hurt anyone. I dont think this film should be taken seriously, it's a comedy."

He also said that since Manoj Kumar had not said anything to him in person, he would not take it otherwise.

"Elderly people get jolted. Our fathers and grandfathers do that. I have a lot of respect for Manoj Kumar and I admit we should have been more careful," Shah Rukh added.

In a lighter vein he said, "I have been copying actors for the past 15 years. I never took anyone's permission. I think I should have called him to take his permission."

He also said that they have been getting a lot of messages from actors appreciating their work in the film and calling it a tribute to Indian cinema.

Earlier on Friday, Manoj Kumar had told CNN-IBN, "People who make such movies do not know the meaning of respect and decency. They are criminals."

The actor who gave a new definition to patriotism on celluloid said that the scene in Om Shanti Om — where his young double is shown being beaten up by the police outside a theatre — is in bad taste.

In yet another scene, Shah Rukh is shown giving a mock thank-you speech in a drunken state and later saying he's Manoj Kumar.

Om Shanti Om, Farah Khan’s second directorial venture after Main Hoon Na, hit screens across India on November 9. The film stars newcomer Deepika Padukone opposite Shah Rukh Khan.