Should Fawad Khan, Other Pakistani Actors Be Allowed In Bollywood? Pankaj Tripathi Answers | Exclusive
Pankaj Tripathi further talked about the Pahalgam terror attack and called it 'sad' and 'upsetting'.
Just when Fawad Khan was gearing up for his return to Bollywood with Abir Gulaal, a terror attack in Pahalgam angered India, resulting in a strict clampdown on Pakistani actors. While government sources have already confirmed that Abir Gulaal, also co-starring Vaani Kapoor, might not be allowed to release in India, Bollywood actors have also come out in support of their nation. Now, Pankaj Tripathi has also reacted to it.
In a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Pankaj Tripathi was asked if Pakistani actors should be allowed to work in India. The Stree 2 actor, who was unaware of Fawad Khan’s comeback movie, stated that he was nobody to decide and that the relevant authorities must make a decision on it. “I think I am not the authority to decide anything. Authorities must decide, we have a board for it. They must make a decision," he said.
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Pankaj Tripathi further talked about the Pahalgam terror attack and added, “I was sad and upset and angry. It saddens me. I feel angry about it. I also feel helpless sometimes."
Meanwhile, Fawad Khan has appeared in three Bollywood films including Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), all of which garnered considerable attention owing to his popularity among Indian audiences.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically following the 2016 Uri terror attack. In its aftermath, prominent industry bodies like the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a ban on Pakistani artists from participating in Indian cinema. Although the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition in 2023 that called for a formalised ban, industry sources maintain that an unofficial freeze on collaborations with Pakistani talent has persisted since 2016.
Coming back to Pankaj Tripathi, he spoke to us as he was announced the brand ambassador for Euro Adhesives. Talking about his association with the brand, the actor said, “I am very selective with regard to brand associations because I have my own values. Therefore, when they approached me, I did my research and realised that they are very similar to me. They also started small and are big today. We met and joined hands. This will be a strong bond, like the one I have with my audience."
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