Bollywood divided over Pakistani artistes

With the rising tension after India’s surgical attacks on Pakistan, Raj Thackeray-led MNS added more heat to the issue by threatening Pakistani artists to go back home or “face the consequences”. While most Pakistani artistes have returned home resulting in a debate in the film industry, Bollywood stands divided on whether this was a right step or not. Here’s a lowdown on who thinks what in the film industry.

Celebrities who support Pakistani artistes:

There is a section of the film industry which stands in support of Pakistani artistes working in India. From directors Hansal Mehta, Vikram Bhatt and Nagesh Kukonoor to veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, many have spoken publicly that banning actors will not achieve anything.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, whose upcoming movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil stands to be banned as it has a cameo appearance by Fawad Khan, told the media, “My heart bleeds for the lost lives. But banning Pakistani artistes is not the solution. The larger forces have to come together and sort the situation and this cannot be banning talent or art.”

Superstar Salman Khan, who has always refrained from taking any political stands, spoke on the issue and said, “Artistes are not terrorists. They come to our country after acquiring visa, and it’s our government who allows them with the work permit in our country.”

Director Mahesh Bhatt was more succinct in his statement when he tweeted, “Kill terrorist, not talks.” Ranbir Kapoor made a diplomatic statement when he said, “We are living in some hard times right now. I hope that people don’t get swept away by the bitterness and negativity.”

Actor Saif Ali Khan spoke to the media and said, “Our film industry is open to talents from around the world, especially from across the border. We are artistes who talk about love and peace.”

Singer Kailash Kher, who has performed in Pakistan, said, “Banning or sending artistes back to Pakistan won’t serve any purpose, unless they are provoking any unpleasant emotions. Nobody belonging to the field of art is spreading hatred.”

Actress Mita Vasisht, who walked out of Arnab Goswami’s Newshour as she wasn’t allowed to speak, wrote in her post, “I am not interested in Fawad Khan or Pakistani actors. Their presence or absence in Bollywood is not important. Bollywood producers cast them because they wanted to and if the producers’ body is now screaming for their ouster from the country in order to display their angst about our soldiers in Uri, wouldn’t it be better if they put their energies into collecting funds for the families of the Uri martyrs?

Celebrities who support the ban:

There are also some, who feel that banning Pakistani artistes is not wrong after all.

Actor Varun Dhawan said in a recent interview to a popular publication, “I totally stand with the government of India. If banning actors can stop terrorism, they should do it.”

Actress Kangana Ranaut said to the media, “Right now, we are experiencing grave emotions of the loss of the lives of our soldiers. Right now we can’t expect people to be objective. It’s such a big loss.”

Actor Randeep Hooda tweeted, “We are trying to isolate Pakistan economically and diplomatically, so the cultural isolation must follow.”

Madhur Bhandarkar also spoke in support of the ban when he said, “Definitely artistes are not terrorists, and I believe that art has no boundaries, but the situation today is very different. I feel a lot of Pakistani artistes who work here they should have condemned the attacks on India over the years. When they can condemn the US attack, when they can condemn Istanbul, Paris attacks, then why not India? When the Peshawar attack happened, everybody in India condemned it.”

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has not minced his words to condemn Pakistani artistes and those who give them work in the industry. He also went on to accuse celebrities like Karan Johar, Mahesh Bhatt and Salman Khan on social media for working with Pakistani actors and singers. He said, “Don’t call these Pakistani people artistes. They are professionals who make money in our country. They are using our industry andhave nothing to offer us.”

Producer Vashu Bhagnani told the media, “We should understand that patriotic sentiments are hurt since our countrymen have been killed. If some feel curbing Pakistani artistes will make a difference, let’s stop it for a couple of years and see what changes.”

But the strongest statement was made recently by actor Nana Patekar, when he said that actors don’t matter, the country does. He told the media, “Pakistani actors and others come later, first comes my country. No hero can be better than the soldiers. We actors are just common people, the real heroes are our soldiers. Don’t pay attention to what we say.”

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