Renowned Indian actor Rajeev Khandelwal criticized the ban on Pakistani artists in India, calling it a politically motivated decision that unfairly undermines cultural ties between the two nations.
In a recent interview, Rajeev Khandelwal expressed gratitude for the love and admiration he receives from his Pakistani fans and fondly recalled his collaboration with Humayun Saeed.
When asked if the ban was justified, he responded, “No, this is all politics. This is very wrong. Who are these politicians to ban artists? Our politics dictates a certain narrative. Where there is love blossoming between two nations, you don’t even allow that for whatever reasons.”
He continued, “I don’t understand this. I also feel that it’s wrong for me to comment as I don’t fully understand it. We often speak about harmony and peace, but even where there is genuine peace and harmony, political parties give it a Hindu-Muslim angle. That is not right. It’s not that the Pakistani government is sending the artists as agents. I have only seen a lot of love coming.”
He added, “Politics aside, there is a lot of love and respect between the people of these two nations.”
Netizens in India lashed out at Rajeev for his criticism of the ban on Pakistani artists after his comments went viral on social media.
Pakistani actors were banned from working in India following the 2016 Uri attacks, with the ban intensifying after the 2019 Pulwama attack.
However, in November 2023, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking to ban Pakistani artists from performing or working in India.
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