When the first teasers of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil were out, it showed promise and created a buzz. But tables turned soon after as sentiment rose against Pakistani actors post Uri-attacks.
While a political party in Maharashtra asked Pakistani actors to leave India, there were calls on social media to boycott the film. This was followed by a theatre owners’ body refusing to screen the film.
And now, producer Karan Johar has stepped in to ensure the film has a smooth release on Diwali.
Johar released a video today where he has appealed to the Indian audience to not boycott the film.
Here’s what he said:
- I felt a deep sense of hurt that a few people believed I am being anti-national. For me, the country comes first
- Of course I will not engage with talent from neighbouring country given the circumstances
- Over 300 Indian people in my crew have put their blood, sweat and tears into my film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and it’s not fair to them to face any kind of turbulence because of any fellow Indian
- I salute the Indian Army and condemn any form of terrorism
Watch his statement here: