Pakistani actors are artistes, not terrorists: Salman Khan

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is the latest from the film fraternity to support Pakistani actors working in the country, who were unceremoniously asked to leave the country following the Uri attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were martyred.

When asked about his reaction to actors like Fawad Khan having to leave Bollywood amid the growing tension, the actor said,

“They are artistes not terrorists. It’s the government who gives them permits and visas.”

Since the attack on Uri base on September 18, many have called for a ban on Pakistani actors working in the country. While some from the fraternity, like Anupam Kher and Subhash Chandra, were sympathetic to the cause, they were clear that it was ‘nation first’.

MNS had also given an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India within 48 hours, or face consequences. The party also announced that it won’t let films starring Pakistani stars, Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees, to release.

In the wake of Wednesday night’s surgical strikes, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) on Thursday passed a resolution to ban Pakistani actors from the industry till normalcy returns.

A similar sentiment is now prevalent across the border, with a lawyer filing a petition in Lahore High Court seeking a ban on Indian films till the Kashmir issue is resolved and actor Hamza Ali Abbasi urging Pakistani artistes to boycott Bollywood.

Reacting to Indian Army’s surgical strikes, Salman Khan said,”Terrorists the na? Proper action tha (They were terrorists, right? It was the proper action).”

Other prominent actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar have also come forth and praised the Army on the successful execution of the surgical strike.