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Here's how Bollywood stars feel about banning Pakistani actors

Here's how Bollywood stars feel about banning Pakistani actors

Let's just say that Anupam Kher is fiercely patriotic
Updated 28 Sep, 2016

Pakistani artists found themselves in trouble earlier this week as nationalist party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) sought to oust them from India following the tension between the two countries over Kashmir.

It seems like their Bollywood peers are now speaking up.

Read: Fawad and other Pakistani artistes given 48 hours to leave India

In an interview with Indian Express, Phantom actor Saif Ali Khan extended his support to them, before adding that the decision is ultimately up to the government.

"The world is open to our film industry and our film industry is open to talents from around the world especially cross border. We are artists who talk about love and peace.”

"The government has to decide these things. The government must make decisions about law and order and who is allowed and who isn’t," he shared.

Student of the Year leading man Varun Dhawan said something similar: "If by banning actors, terrorism can be stopped then they should do it. That is something the government needs to decide first."

Whereas director Karan Johar who has Fawad Khan playing a small but integral role in his upcoming movie, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, said banning Pakistani actors was not the solution.

“If this was truly a solution, one would take it but it's not. I don’t believe it is. The larger forces have to come together and sort the situation and this cannot be banning talent or art."

Also read: Really not a cameo anymore: Fawad's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil character to get more screen time

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is also of the same opinion as KJo, and questioned those in favour of the ban.

“Karan Johar said a very good thing. If you want to send Fawad Khan back, send him, but what are the next five steps you’ll take? You tell me, what are the next five steps you will take after that?"

The problem, he asserted, did not lie in sending Pakistani artistes back home. “What problems will be solved after sending him? What will be your next step after sending him. At least tell us what are your next five steps."

However, not everyone adopted such an approach. Veteran actor Anupam Kher revealed that he felt Pakistani actors must condemn the September 18 Uri attack.

When asked about it at an event for channel Zindagi, he said, “It is really important to say that ‘I condemn the unfortunate massacre of Indian soldiers’. They (Pakistani actors) need to do that. We have always shown our goodness and friendship."

"The responsibility of the actors who work across the border with us should be to condemn the terrorists who killed our soldiers. I'm not saying you condemn your country. Politically, it may not be the correct move."

Singer Lata Mangeshkar announced she will not be celebrating her 87th birthday this year as she is mourning the lives of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the attack.

She added, “I don’t know if I am qualified to comment on such matters. But yes, I do wonder why nations don’t keep their own house in order instead of creating havoc in others’ domain. Why hurl bombs at nations? Hatred kills. Why not work on making our own country beautiful?”

Her message to her Pakistani fans?

Woh khush rahen, shanti se rahen (I hope they stay happy and stay in peace). Aur humen bhi khushi aur shanti se rehne den (And let us also live in peace and be happy). I know the people there are just like us. They want peace; only some elements don’t want peace.”

This wouldn't be the first time Fawad and co have received threats from India's nationalist parties.

In October last year, Shiv Sena activists had threatened Fawad Khan and Mahira and announced plans to hinder promotions of the actors' upcoming movies, Raees and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Shiv Sena had also protested against the performance of ghazal singer Ghulam Ali in India.

Comments

asghar Sep 28, 2016 12:55pm
Now this is time for Pakistan to put ban on Indians movies and dramas in Pakistani Cinemas and electronic media.
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Raza Sep 28, 2016 01:21pm
We Pakistani understand the meaning of loss of life and stand besides our Indian Neighbors and feel the unfortunate loss of human life.
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Tarannum S Sep 28, 2016 01:49pm
Pakistani movie stars have huge fan following in India and they should always come up with their positions on important events in the country of their work. It may be easy for them to stay safe claiming that the Uri attack got nothing to do with the area of interest. But when Fawad Khan could speak on the Paris attacks, he cant be expected to stay shut on the Uri attack. If he condemned the Uri attack, his image in India would have been very good.
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pk Sep 28, 2016 01:52pm
Please must understand this " India has a magnetic attraction which attract people since its existence" . The most important fact about India is that India never invaded any country since its creation. These are value systems which we inherited from generation to generation. This is a sample of Indian culture and philosophy. We say "Athithi Devo Bhawah" means Guest is like God. We carry these value system from our holy books. We always welcome our guest. It will remain continue with us.
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Mandy Sep 28, 2016 01:59pm
Blood and love can not flow together.
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Ismail Sep 28, 2016 02:02pm
No one should force themselves into another persons house. If people in India feel that pak actors have outlived their welcome than they should return home.
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Ashwin Sep 28, 2016 02:08pm
This time I agree with Anupam ji. There are around 10 pak artists in India, but no one condemned the hash killing of soldies. At the time of Peshawar school attack Fawad and Mahira quickly commented on twitter. Even recently on Paris attack they did the same. But nothing on Uri. Is it ok ?
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Manto Sep 28, 2016 02:13pm
Ask them about Kashmiri peoples rights. Lets see how enlightened, logical and straightforward they are. Stopping terrorism without identifying the root cause is like treating cancer with Panadol.
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Raja farhat Abbas Sep 28, 2016 02:16pm
@Mandy ...Then stop killing the innocent Kashmiri's .
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lalo Sep 28, 2016 02:16pm
No grudge against Pakistani people or actors. But one who has not cleared his stand on such a cowardly terrorist attacks on India, cannot keep on enjoying fame, prize and support from India. You dont keep relations with the neighbors even if only one person of the family has misbehaved with yours. Either they should condemn the attack (I'm not talking about condemning Pakistan or people or army, just condemn terrorism, condemn such attack) or it will be considered as they are in favor.
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Dipak Singham Sep 28, 2016 03:09pm
I'm 100% agreed with Mr. Anupam Kher
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Adeel Sep 28, 2016 03:58pm
@Tarannum S totally agree with you
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krishankant Sep 28, 2016 05:05pm
Yes, Pakistani actors could have condemned the terror attacks. However, in my view, the people to people dialogue must continue irrespective of political situation.
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suhas Sep 28, 2016 05:29pm
Kabir Khan-Producer of the film had good time in Karachi airport after release of the film Phantom. If the movies are really product of art and love, why pakistan banned Phantom?
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aman Sep 28, 2016 05:34pm
Both countries public (India & Pakistan) have no such hatred towards each other, its the Modi's government playing politics on hating Pakistan, Pakistani government always avoided controversies with India (at least during the last 10-15 years, and trying to build healthy positive relationship), people of India needs to recognise that tension between both countries would yield further tension that is not good for the entire region.
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ISHA Sep 28, 2016 05:36pm
Here they are not banned! A party which has no MLA / MP threatened them & they left the country! Threatening doesn't mean BAN!
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GQureshi Sep 28, 2016 05:49pm
@lalo : How many indian movie stars have condemned killing of over 100 civilians in Kashmir not to forget pellet gun attacks. Let actors remain actors and don't turn them into politicians.
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Narayan Sep 28, 2016 07:20pm
@Raza I salute you brother instead provoke spread the message of love and peace
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Asma Ali Sep 28, 2016 08:11pm
@ Raza, thank you for a sane message in this time of insanity.
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N_Saq Sep 28, 2016 09:10pm
There is nothing wrong in condemning violence and terror. PEACE is the only way forward. The sooner Pak and India realizes the better.
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Prateik Sep 28, 2016 10:12pm
A person with self respect will never visit India.
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Aravinda Kodihalli Seenaiah Sep 29, 2016 12:12am
@asghar -Please do that..
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Holi Sep 29, 2016 01:20am
@asghar please do it. Please
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Krishna Sep 29, 2016 02:45am
To all the Pakistani actors - you are not welcome in Maharashtra but Maharashtra is not whole of India. Please don't take it personal when such threats come from Gundas like Mns. They hate Indians too (Non-Maharashtrians). Reiterating my point that these Gundas & Politicians (from both countries) love to hate! You are welcome to stay in any other cities in India. If the film needs you then the producers / directors will manage to schedule shoots accordingly. If the film is good, the rest of India will watch & enjoy the movie and make up for the revenue. Maharashtra will too but on pirated versions. Peace
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Nobody Sep 29, 2016 05:54am
Colour, faith and nationalalism have a strong influence of every person. But if we remove these birth-marks, everyone is the same. I feel sorry for the people standing for any cause smaller than humanism and sympathize the blindness. I denounce any action take up in the name of any cause.
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rama Sep 29, 2016 05:55am
@asghar Your are welcome to do that
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Waseem Sep 29, 2016 08:14am
Ask Pakistani actors please and give them some attention. Why would you care what actors from other countries say.
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EZIO AUDITORE Sep 29, 2016 08:44am
@asghar 70% of the revenue comes from our industry only, do it please.
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Lokarlobaat Sep 29, 2016 08:47am
As an Indian, I personally feel no need to ban Pakistani actors. The exchange of talent is a must. However, I also personally feel that a lot of Indian talents are being ignored as producers turn to actors across the border. Dil makers should first research within India to get best suitable actors and turn to Pakistan only if they are unsuccessful.
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Lokarlobaat Sep 29, 2016 08:48am
@Tarannum S No they do not have "huge fan following". Unlike what you've been told, half of these "stars" come and go without people even knowing their names.
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NIRAJ kumar Sep 29, 2016 09:19am
@Dipak Singham .I agrre with you.
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NIRAJ kumar Sep 29, 2016 09:19am
i agree with anupam kher
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Afzal Sep 29, 2016 12:06pm
@pk You are forgetting the invasion of Goa in 1962 (then under Portugal), and then in 1971 Bangladesh (then East Pakistan)! when India invaded and attacked these territories.
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Nia Sep 29, 2016 12:12pm
@suhas But please also remember Bajrangi Bhaijaan did phenomenal business in Pakistan.
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Niaz H. Jafri Sep 29, 2016 12:19pm
The loss of innocent humans must be condemned at all costs. It doesn't really matter where it happens. Be it Karachi, Dhaka, Uri, Pathankot, Kashmir, South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paris, London, Aleppo, Istanbul or anywhere in the world.
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ozzy Sep 29, 2016 12:36pm
@Tarannum S howany indiand actors condemmed atrocities of kashmiris?......
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the fake ZAK Sep 29, 2016 12:37pm
@asghar - pls pls do it fast
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fida USA Sep 29, 2016 01:01pm
Veteran actor Anupam Kher revealed that he felt Pakistani actors must condemn the September 18 Uri attack. Mr. Kher you should be the first one in the line for condemnation. Your Indian soldiers have killed thousands and thousand man in Kashmir and raped their women for the past 70 years, should you not be the first person to condemn this GENOCIDE, but you are not the man I thought you are.
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fida USA Sep 29, 2016 01:03pm
Ban all Indian movies in Pakistan. Stop all trade with India. If we have any love for the citizens of KASHMIR.
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Riaz Sep 29, 2016 05:38pm
@Niaz H. Jafri Yes indeed, well said sir.
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Sadia Sep 29, 2016 05:53pm
@aman Well said...
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MA Sep 29, 2016 07:09pm
@krishankant yes and Indian actors could have condemned atrocities in Kashmir
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Umair Sep 30, 2016 03:07pm
I think peoples from both the sides should not get angry or pass on such comments. Both countries (Pak and India) have bad governance issues otherwise if we have good governance on both sides of the border no such issues will occur and disputes will also be resolved However i still fell that indian Govt is getting goelous on pakistan`s prosperity through CPEC
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Shujat Rehman Oct 01, 2016 07:01pm
@pk you are absolutely right and i respect your values
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MJ Khan Oct 01, 2016 08:28pm
@GQureshi I don't think you get it. Bollywood is Indian movies. Just like Hollywood where people from lots of countries work in, but America will always be the hero. Same case.
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Jasmin Oct 02, 2016 07:23am
The people want peace. It's the politicians which cause hatred and divide. Bollywood should stand united and convey a message of love and peace and not throw artists over borders. As for Kashmir it belongs to the people who live their no matter what their faith or background
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A R N Srivastava Oct 02, 2016 11:01am
Art and Literature are mirror of nations. Regardless of religion and region artistes must condemn terrorists
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M N NAZIM Oct 02, 2016 12:24pm
@GQureshi Well said!
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Vineeth pillai Oct 02, 2016 11:05pm
@fida USA just do it... we will be very very happy..... we Also wish so
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Omar Oct 03, 2016 05:35pm
@GQureshi you nailed it well said, lets see if Anupum Kher condemn that or not....
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Saad Oct 04, 2016 08:36am
India and Pakistan as nations can never be friends, yet they cannot be complete enemies. A paradox which will remain till eternity.
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