Ignore what Bollywood actors say, they are trivial in front of country: Nana Patekar

During an interaction with the media recently, actor Nana Patekar told reporters to ignore what Bollywood actors were saying as they are ‘trivial’ in front of the entire country.

Patekar, who has been vocal against social issues in the past, was talking to the media on Sunday about the ban on Pakistani actors in the wake of the Uri attack where 19 Indian soldiers were martyred.

The ban on artistes and technicians was imposed by Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) last week.

During the interaction, the ‘Natsamrat’ actor said that the matter of Pakistani actors working in our country is a very small one, adding “I don’t know anything else other than my country. An artiste is very small in front of a country. As artistes, we don’t have value when it comes to country.”

The actor-cum-activist, who has been a part of the defence forces, also clarified that it was ‘nation first’ for him.

“I was in the army and have spent two and half years there. I know who are our biggest heroes. No one can be a bigger hero than our jawans. Our jawans are our real heroes,” he added.

When asked to comment on how the film fraternity was divided on the issue, Patekar said, “We actors are trivial and insignificant. Please don’t pay attention to what we say.”

Patekar also implied that his message for meant for certain people, who were not in a position to comment on such serious issues.

“I am talking about those people only. They don’t have the status to comment on these issues,” he added without taking the name of anyone in particular.

While the veteran actor failed to take any names, many are now speculating that the remarks were intended towards superstar Salman Khan, who had recently come out in support of Pakistani actors.

“They (Pakistani Actors) are artists, not terrorists. It’s the government who gives them work permits and visas. Art and terrorism should not be mixed,” the actor had said.

Following his statement, Shiv Sena had asked the actor to leave the country and migrate to Pakistan if he loves their actors so much.

MNS leader Raj Thackeray, who had earlier issued an ultimatum to Pakistani actors to leave the country, also lashed out at the ‘Sultan’ actor, adding “Are we short of artists in our country?…I don’t understand. Jawans are fighting for us at borders. What’ll happen if they decide to put down their weapons? Who’ll guard our borders? Salman Khan? These artists should realise ‘Nation first’. If they have so much problem, we will ban their movies too.”