As the fate of Karan Johar's Diwali release, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', hangs in balance with right wing parties threatening to disrupt its screening, the filmmaker finally broke his silence over the snowballing controversy
Karan Johar
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As the fate of Karan Johar's Diwali release, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', hangs in balance with right wing parties threatening to disrupt its screening, the filmmaker finally broke his silence over the snowballing controversy. In a video released yesterday, KJo clarified that he had remained mum all this while since he was "deeply hurt" over being labelled anti-national for working with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.
He also mentioned that he has resolved to not work with any artiste from across the border in future, considering the heightened Indo-Pak hostility post the September 18 Uri attacks and subsequent demand by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)'s film affairs wing to ban Pak artistes in Indian cinema. Following is an edited transcript of his video:
"There has been some talk about why I have remained silent for the past two weeks. Today, I would like to clarify why I have remained silent. It is because of the deep sense of hurt and pain I felt [about the fact] that a few people could actually believe that I am being anti-national.
"I need to say this with strength that, for me, my country comes first and nothing else matters to me but my country. The best way to express patriotism is to spread love and that is all I am trying to do with my work and my cinema. When I shot Ae Dil Hai Mushkil from September to December last year, the [political] climate was completely different. "There were efforts made by our government for peaceful relationships with the neighbouring country, and I respected those endeavours and efforts then. And I respect the sentiment today, because I feel the same. Going forward, I would like to say that, of course, I wouldn't engage with the talent from the neighbouring country, given the [current] circumstances.
"But, with that same energy, I besiege you to know one thing, that over 300 Indians in my crew have put their blood, sweat and tears into my film. And I don't think it is fair on them to face any kind of turbulence on account of other fellow Indians. I respect the Indian Army, I salute them for everything they do to protect us. And I condemn any form of terrorism that would affect my people in my country and me. "I just hope all of you understand the circumstances and the situation we are in and respect the fact that we love and respect our country over and above everything else."
Karan Johar
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