Why Indians Feel Hurt When Bollywood Hires Pakistani Actors
Bollywood’s Repeated Mistake
SAMAJ WEEKLY UK
Balram Sampla,
Geopolitics.
Many Indians are upset because Bollywood keeps hiring Pakistani actors even after terror attacks in India. Every time this happens, people get angry and ask for a ban. Bollywood says it will stop, but after some time, they start working with Pakistani actors again. This makes people feel that Bollywood cares more about money than about the feelings of Indians.
Not a Fair Exchange
Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan have worked in big Bollywood films. But in Pakistan, Indian actors are not allowed to work in their movies. In fact, after attacks like Pulwama, Pakistan banned Indian films and artists completely. This is not fair. If Bollywood gives work to Pakistani actors, shouldn’t Pakistan also give work to Indian actors?
Wrong Timing and Broken Promises
The main problem is the timing. When Bollywood hires Pakistani actors soon after a terror attack, it feels like an insult to the families of the victims. Bollywood has promised before not to work with Pakistani artists after such attacks, but they break these promises for business reasons.
Pakistani Industry’s Attitude
Pakistani actors and their film industry are quick to criticize India and Bollywood. They do not allow Indian artists to work in Pakistan and often say negative things about India. Still, Bollywood keeps welcoming them. This hurts the feelings of many Indians.
Daljit Dosanjh controversy
Diljit Dosanjh has defended himself, stating that the film was shot in February 2025, before the Pahalgam attack, and that the situation between the countries was normal at the time. He emphasized that the decision to release the film overseas (and not in India) was made after the attack, due to the changed circumstances and financial investment involved.
The outrage is largely about the timing and of hiring a Pakistani actress. Was the situation really normal? Why hire Pakistani actress when Indian artists are banned in Pakistan?
Conclusion
Indians are not against people from other countries. But they want Bollywood to respect their emotions and show some self-respect. If Pakistan does not allow Indian actors, why should Bollywood keep hiring Pakistani actors? Bollywood should listen to the people and stop this double standard. The only option they have is to boycott the film.
References
1. Bollywood ban may hurt Pakistan than India
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47479747?utm
2. www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/blacklist-diljit-dosanjh-say-film-bodies-amid-row-over-casting-pakistani-actress-hania-aamir-in-sardaarji-3/cid/2109514?utm
3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3w48jqz8ylo?utm
