Racist attacks in Australia a shame, says Aamir Khan

New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) Bollywood star Aamir Khan has called the attacks on Indians in Australia 'a shame', a couple of days after megastar Amitabh Bachchan turned down the offer of an honorary degree from an Australian university in the wake of the attacks.

'(It is) most disturbing to hear about racist attacks on Indians living in Australia. Quite a shame,' Aamir stated on his blog www.aamirkhan.com.

The actor, who has just returned from a two-month sabbatical with his kids, feels it calls for immediate action.

'While this doesn't mean that all Australians are racists, the frequency and seriousness of such attacks I think calls for an extraordinary reaction from the Australian authorities. And while we want action to be taken by authorities in Australia, we should remember all the crimes against foreigners who visit India,' he added.

Aamir's reaction came after news of Shravan Kumar, an automobile engineering student from Andhra Pradesh, being attacked by two youths in Melbourne was splashed all over, inviting a lot of people to debate on the safety of Indian students in Australia.

'Let us hope and pray that Shravan recovers soon,' said Aamir.

There has been a spate of attacks on Indian students in Sydney and Melbourne, including at least three serious attacks.