Why Irrfan is mum on Pakistani artistes' issue

Why Irrfan is mum on Pakistani artistes' issue
Wednesday, October 05, 2016 11:25 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan on Tuesday refused to comment on the ongoing debate on whether Pakistani artistes should be banned from working in the Mumbai film industry.

Irrfan will soon be seen sharing screen space with Hollywood actor Tom Hanks in Sony Pictures Entertainment's film 'Inferno'. The film, helmed by Ron Howard, is releasing in India on October 14 - two weeks before it opens in the US.

The actor, who was in the national capital for the trailer launch of the film, refrained from wading into the debate by saying that he has come for film promotion only and will address the issue separately.

"This is not the platform to discuss the issue. I will give another interview to express my views on the matter but not here," Irrfan said.

Asked about the ongoing controversy over exchange of talent between the two countries, Vivek Krishnani, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Entertainment, India, jumped to the actor's defence.

He interrupted a reporter to say: "This press meet has been called for 'Inferno'. It is an important question, but this is not the right time or platform to address the issue."


Amidst the ongoing clamour over the cross-border tension between India and Pakistan spilling into the entertainment world, some Indian outfits have imposed a ban on Pakistanis from India's showbiz world and a few Pakistani theatres have pulled down Indian movies from their screens.

Celebrities across the board and borders have commented on the spillover, with some talking in support of the steps, some opposing it and some just keeping mum.

The calls for ban on Pakistani talent in India created quite a stir after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issued an "ultimatum" to all Pakistani artistes to quit India within 48 hours or face trouble.

Superstar Salman Khan and veteran actor Om Puri came forward to support Pakistani talent, but faced a backlash for their opinions.

Earlier this year, Irrfan courted controversy with his comments on Ramzan and Muharram, and had even addressed the issue on his Twitter page. He had posted: "Clerics don't scare me. Thank God, I don't live in a country governed by religious contractors."
Navjot Singh Sidhu Returns to The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3: Laughter, Legacy, and a Legendary Comeback!

Comedy fans, rejoice! Former cricketer, politician, and television personality Navjot Singh Sidhu is

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Puja Sharma Makes Power-Packed Comeback After 7 Years with a Bold Grey Role in Star Plus' Jhanak!

After a seven-year hiatus, actress Puja Sharma is back — and she’s returning with fire in her eyes. Known

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Kamya Punjabi Breaks the Silence -'Me No Pause Me Play' Becomes the World's First Film on Menopause!

A historic cinematic moment unfolded today as the muhurat of “Me No Pause Me Play” was held in

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Father figures on-screen, real connections off-screen: Sony SAB artists celebrate fatherhood this Father's Day!

On the special occasion of Father's Day, Sony SAB actors share their personal experiences and thoughts

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
DocuBay Announces its Next Original Documentary - Gateway of Europe - The Migrant Crisis!

DocuBay, the leading platform for premium documentaries and part of IN10 Media Network, is set to

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT