The Bollywood’s three Khans, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, refused to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Muslim Mirror reported.

Although none of the actors in question have spoken to the press about their absence, at an event to promote Israel to Bollywood, reports have suggested the action was taken in order to not hurt the sentiments of Indian Muslims, who have strong opinions against ties between the two nations, Something Haute reported.

Recently, Benjamin Netanyahu – in a bid to bring ‘Brand Israel’ to India – said at an event with Bollywood stars that he “wants Bollywood in Israel, and they [Israel] are putting their money where their mouth is.”

However, the Muslim Mirror reported that a number of Bollywood actors, including Amitabh Bachchan and his family, met Netanyahu and took a selfie with him. 

But the three Khans refusal to attend the event was welcomed by many fans were called them “real heroes”. 

Some media reports stated they had taken the stance in protest against Israel’s actions against Palestine. However other reports stated their reason was simply because he was Jewish and that their decision was an “anti-national” act.

The three Khans had turned down an invitation to meet Netanyahu at an event called Shalom Bollywood – which was designed to reach out to Bollywood to shoot more films in Israel.

“I want all the Bollywood celebrities, producers and stars to join together for a selfie. Let a few hundred million people see the friendship,” Netanyahu said during the event. 

Stars quickly agreed. Amitabh Bachchan, the tallest of them, held the selfie stick and a few minutes later, the Israeli PM uploaded the picture to social media.