In the wake of the Uri attacks by Pakistan and the beautifully crafted surgical strike by the Indian armed forces, a innumerable arguments have been ignited in the social media. Some political parties have also added their bit in eulogizing the soldiers and castigating Pakistan. There is such a nationalistic fervor against Pakistan that, certain fringe groups have called for the boycott of all Pakistani actors and actresses working in India. Though not an extreme nationalist, for once I think it is right to put various pressures on Pakistan. India having isolated Pakistan in the international arena is also looking at other means to drive home the advantage. In this context, it makes sense to let Pakistan know the consequences of their actions.
In the wake of the boycott call, there are many groups objecting to it. Salman Khan, Shyam Benegal and Karan Johar feel that actors are apolitical and hence should not be affected. On the face of it, there seems to be some logic but, we must remember that we are living in difficult times and intellectual freedom must be used cautiously. Pakistan actors have expressed their sympathy with the victims during the Paris attacks and Afghanistan school attacks so, why not condemn the Uri attacks as you cannot have different yardsticks for terror. I guess this is what is called being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. If they don’t condemn the Uri attack, the Indian media would not let them alone and if they did, they probably face consequences in Pakistan. Though innocent, being part of the Pakistan population carries a price which they are paying. I can see most of them walking a tight rope in assuaging the feelings on both sides.
Though intellectuals are a precious commodity in every country, in India they must realize that it must be exercised judiciously. Some of the excuses “That they carried visas” “they are not terrorists “were absolutely ridiculous. In this instance they could have exercised some restraint but in India, Bollywood is the last word because of the fame, money and clout they carry.You cannot hide behind intellectual freedom to protect your business interests. That, a large amount of money is involved in the production of movies with Pakistan stars is a given. Besides the military , civil society also has to contribute towards the war effort.Some sacrifices may have to be made and if India is sending a stern message to Pakistan and if the actors are collateral damage, it cannot be helped. In a war between two countries there cannot be boundaries as to what you can do or not do.I hope Bollywood remembers that the country is bigger than all other factors.