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My quote on Pakistani artist ban was distorted to create controversy: Ajay Devgn

My quote on Pakistani artist ban was distorted to create controversy: Ajay Devgn

Devgn is unhappy that his upcoming film Shivaay has become a talking point for controversies rather than its merit
27 Oct, 2016

We all remember reports of Ajay Devgan favouring a ban on the release of Bollywood movies starring Pakistani artistes.

According to The Hindustan Times, the actor-filmmaker has now said that his quote was misconstrued.

“They (the publication) used an incomplete statement; I'd also said that films that had completed production with Pakistani artistes should not be banned but obviously, the declaration was distorted just to create a controversy. They weren't fair to me,” says the 47-year-old.

Devgn adds that he's unhappy that his upcoming film Shivaay has become a talking point for controversies rather than its merit.

"After the trailer release, everyone says it looks good. But then the very next day, there's a scandal that is making people talk about the film. It's upsetting that you work so hard for two years and people choose to focus on something completely different. I try to ignore it most of the time but sometimes, it gets to me," shares the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam actor.

The industry is divided when it comes to the ban, which he adds is a good thing: "The industry is part of society, there's bound to be a difference of opinion. You can have differing opinions, as long as you're supporting the film industry."

Devgn’s film is up for a box-office clash with Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil this Friday.

Comments

irfan Oct 27, 2016 12:47pm
So the actual statement is that the BAN is applicable for the new projects. We got it Ajay.
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Omar Oct 27, 2016 01:51pm
Why are we having his comments on our news website. He can say whatever he wants to and we are not interested in it
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Imran Oct 27, 2016 02:00pm
Your initial statement was in a bad taste and now you have probably realized that you have lost many Pakistani fans around the world so you are changing your statement.
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D.K. PAMNANI Oct 27, 2016 02:13pm
Why you are afraid and from whom after issuing statement, just because of your movie
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Khan Oct 27, 2016 02:46pm
You got some fame after a long time . Say a few words against pakistan and you are a hero in India.
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Ravi Sharma Oct 27, 2016 02:48pm
I saw the interview and it was straight - Nothing against Pakistatni actors but considering sentiments of Indian public bollywood should keep distance from Pakistani actors till the situation gets normal.
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Ammar Oct 27, 2016 04:13pm
"Why are we having his comments on our news website" so the citizens of Islamic republic of Pakistan may know that his excellency, Ajay Devgan, only wants ban on Pakistani filmstars whose films have not started shooting yet We thank Dawn from the core of our heart to keeping us informed on this critical matter
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Raj Kumar Oct 27, 2016 04:57pm
@Khan For your information he is a national award winning actor and one of the top stars in Indian film industry from a very long time,he does not need Pakistan to be famous.
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dawn Oct 27, 2016 06:00pm
Distorted or not the indian HEROES are feeling a little slack in their confidence. Still I think Pakistani artists belong in Pakistan.
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Sensible Pakistani Oct 27, 2016 06:15pm
The problem is that Pakistanis have always enjoyed Bollywood movies , and we all are big fans for all the stars from across the border , it's a very depressing situation that culture and art has come across the fire line , very unfortunate events!!!!
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Masood Hussain Oct 27, 2016 08:08pm
So Ajay said the same at the end what he was trying to contradict.
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lafanga Oct 27, 2016 10:09pm
This movie looks like a copy of 1993 thriller Cliffhanger with Sly Stallone. That was awesome. Why should I watch this contraption from Bollywood? Whatever you said, stick to it Mr. Devgn. If you don't want Pak actors in Bollywood then so be it. We are not too thrilled about Hollywood copies with made in Bollywood logo. We can watch the real thing. Thanks.
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sharad Oct 27, 2016 11:13pm
Chill guys. Not a big issue. He didng say anything about the loving ppl of Pakistan.
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Mansoor Oct 28, 2016 12:49am
I hated you since you married Kajol. Now it does not matter what you say.
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liaquat Syed Oct 28, 2016 01:06am
This is mentality that we attack most vulnerable members of society. Actors; singers, artist they do not hv guns to fight, can not defend themseleves so lets take revenge from them for things they never did. So indians are doing same.
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Li-En-Za Oct 28, 2016 02:04pm
Mr. Devgan why you took so much time to clarify? It looks a after thought reaction. This change of heart is on duress?
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GA Oct 28, 2016 07:06pm
I was always in favor of cross border artists. But not after this kind of jingoism from Indian public who have completely given in to an irresponsible Indian media toeing a hawkish line. Let there be no contact.
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imran Oct 28, 2016 10:59pm
We Pakistanis have given so much love to Bollywood over the years. I loved your Singham and others, have adored Kajol over the years as the girl next door. But u both have taken a stand to ban our actors in your industry and questioned why our actors should work in the first place. No more you and Kajol for me.that is what I can do to protest and thanks for hurting our sentiments.
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Zak Oct 29, 2016 02:13am
Pakistan should stop actors going to act in indian movies. Close the border till plebiscite in IOK.
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Jawad Oct 29, 2016 08:12am
Bollywood was created in Lahore and people who made what bollywood is today have roots in Pakistan. 95% of bollywood actors today have roots in Pakistan.
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Naveed Nov 01, 2016 08:24pm
I support the arguments provided by Omar. Why the hell are we interested in Ajay Devgan? His problems should be discussed in India and not here.
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