Bollywood superstar SHAHRUKH KHAN has stepped in to defend Mumbai-based hit SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE - reprimanding his fellow countrymen who have criticised the film for portraying India in a negative light.

The multi award-winning film has repeatedly come under fire since its release, with campaigners in India slamming the movie's controversial title - claiming the use of the word 'dog' is insulting to those living in slums.

The film's bosses were also accused of underpaying their Indian child stars - despite director Danny Boyle vigorously denying the claims, insisting the studio paid over-the-odds to ensure the welfare of their young actors.

And now Khan - who turned down the role of the film's TV quizmaster - has praised Boyle's project for allowing the world to see India in a "visually appealing" way.

He says, "I think it's really nice that it will open doors for people to understand that there is a lot of visual appeal to India. I hear a lot of people saying that India has been shown in bad light.

"But then my logic to everyone is that why is it that somebody comes from outside and makes a film like Gandhi and Slumdog. It becomes internally acceptable. All we can say about it is that it is showing India in a poor light."