A police complaint has been filed against veteran actor Om Puri for his comments that were found to be insulting to Indian soldiers by a section of the film industry.
Complainant Prithvi Maske mentioned in the complaint - "Referring to the Indian Army and soldiers, he (Om Puri) said that we had not given the invitation to the soldiers of the Indian Army. They joined the army at their will."
During a debate on a TV channel, Om Puri said on Monday: "Did we force them to join the army? My father was also in the army... We are proud of them (soldiers)... I am asking you: Do you want India and Pakistan to become Israel and Palestine?
"I don't give a damn to Salman Khan or some other Khan... Go to Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and cancel their (Pakistani actors') visas. Prepare 15-20 people as suicide bombers and send them to Pakistan."
Celebrities including filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and veteran actor Anupam Kher came out against Om Puri after his comments on the channel.
The film industry has been divided on the issue of banning Pakistani artistes in the wake of the September 18 Uri attack that left 19 Indian soldiers dead.
While many supported Om Puri on his statement about the ban of Pakistani actors, his words for Indian army and comment over the issue of national security has raised quite a lot eyebrows. The actor’s remark came days after superstar Salman Khan opposed the ban too, by saying “they are artistes not terrorists”.
The film industry has been divided on the issue of banning Pakistani artistes in the wake of Uri attack. Actor Randeep Hooda, filmmakers Ashoke Pandit and Anupam Kher are among those who have backed the ban.
Hooda tweeted that Pakistan should be culturally isolated. “We are trying to isolate Pakistan economically & diplomatically so the cultural isolation must follow #BanPakArtists #IndiaComesFirst #India,” he wrote.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said though he believes that art has no boundaries, the situation right now is such that nothing is bigger than the country. He also said that Pakistani artistes, who have worked in India should condemn the Uri attack.
CONDEMNED FOR COMMENT ON INDIA, PAKISTAN FEUD
Veteran actor Om Puri has been slammed by a section of the film fraternity for comments they say are insulting to Indian soldiers.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and veteran actor Anupam Kher came out against Om Puri after he told a TV channel that nobody forced soldiers to join the army and people should ask whether India and Pakistan should become Israel and Palestine.
During a debate on a TV channel, Om Puri said on Monday: "Did we force them to join the army? My father was also in the army... We are proud of them (soldiers)... I am asking you: Do you want India and Pakistan to become Israel and Palestine?
Dear #OmPuri ji. Mai aapki bahut izzat karta hoon. Lekin kal tv per desh ke sainik ke baare mein aapki baat sunkar bahut DUKH hua. #VerySad
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 4, 2016
"I don't give a damn to Salman Khan or some other Khan... Go to Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and cancel their (Pakistani actors') visas. Prepare 15-20 people as suicide bombers and send them to Pakistan."
Reacting to his comment, Pandit tweeted: "Om Puriji, Pak artistes banned isn't a solution, but show of solidarity to our martyrs. We can't be lighting pyres while continuing to perform with them."
Anupam also wrote that he respects Om a lot, but said watching him on the TV show and hearing his views related to Indian soldiers was "very sad".
Actress Meerra Chopra wrote: "All respect lost for Om Puri! What a shame."
Folk singer Malini Awasthi tweeted: "What a shame Om Puri! Heard him on TV and I couldn't believe my ears. What a disgrace! Just lost all respect as an actor."
Om Puri visited Pakistan in August to promote the Pakistani film "Actor in Law", in which he plays a key role.