Let Authority Decide if Pak Actors Can Work Here: Pankaj Tripathi
The recent Pahalgam terror attack has sparked a heated debate in the Indian film industry, with many calling for a ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood. The attack, which left several dead and injured, has raised questions about the role of Pakistan-based artists in the Indian entertainment industry. In an exclusive interview with News18, actor Pankaj Tripathi shared his thoughts on the matter, saying that it is up to the authorities to decide whether Pakistani artists should be banned or not.
When asked whether Pakistani artists like Fawad Khan and others should be allowed to work in Bollywood, Tripathi said, “I’m not the authority to decide anything. I feel angry…and sad about the attack.” He emphasized that the decision should be left to the government and other authorities, rather than individuals.
Tripathi’s statement comes at a time when the Indian government has already taken steps to restrict the entry of Pakistani artists into the country. In 2019, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) had banned Pakistani artists from working in India, citing the country’s continued support for terrorism. The ban was imposed in response to the Uri attack, which killed 19 Indian soldiers.
However, Tripathi’s views on the matter are more nuanced. While he acknowledged the anger and sadness that many Indians feel about the recent attack, he also emphasized the importance of not letting emotions dictate our actions. “We should not let emotions take over our decisions,” he said. “We should take a rational approach to this issue.”
Tripathi’s comments are in line with the views of many in the Indian film industry, who believe that art should be separate from politics. Many Indian actors, including Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai, have spoken out against the ban on Pakistani artists, arguing that it is unfair to punish innocent artists for the actions of their government.
The debate about Pakistani artists in Bollywood is not new. In 2016, the Indian government had banned the release of several Pakistani films, including Fawad Khan’s “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” and “Sultan”. The ban was imposed in response to the Uri attack, which killed 19 Indian soldiers.
However, the ban was later lifted, and Pakistani artists were allowed to return to India. Many Indian actors, including Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar, had spoken out against the ban, arguing that it was unfair to punish innocent artists for the actions of their government.
The recent Pahalgam terror attack has once again raised questions about the role of Pakistani artists in the Indian entertainment industry. While some have called for a ban on Pakistani artists, others have argued that it is unfair to punish innocent artists for the actions of their government.
Tripathi’s comments are a reminder that the debate about Pakistani artists in Bollywood is complex and nuanced. While it is understandable that many Indians feel angry and upset about the recent attack, we must also recognize that art and politics should be separate.
In conclusion, Pankaj Tripathi’s statement that authority should decide whether Pakistani actors can work in India is a wise one. The decision should not be left to individuals, but rather to those who are responsible for making such decisions. As Tripathi said, “We should take a rational approach to this issue.”
