With the Hindi film industry condemning the Pulwama terror attack and not releasing films in Pakistan, besides banning Pakistani artistes from working in India, National award-winning actress Vidya Balan on Friday said a strong stand needs to be taken this time.
“Though I have always believed that art should be kept away from all boundaries and politics, I think we have to take a stand now. Enough is enough,” Vidya told the media at the launch of her debut radio show, Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho.
In the worst-ever terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in the state in 1989, a suicide bomber rammed his SUV packed with explosives into a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Pulwama district on 14 February, killing at least 40 troopers.
Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed later claimed responsibility for the attack.
Asked if art shouldn’t be kept away from politics, the Tumhari Sulu (2017) actress said, “As an individual, I believe that there is no better way to bring people together than arts, be it music, poetry, dance, theatre, cinema or any other form. But this time I think we should just take a break from this practice and see what can be done for the future. As I said, some tough calls have to be taken at some point.”
A host of actors from Hindi cinema, including Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Ajay Devgn and Vicky Kaushal, have condemned the Pulwama attack.
Several films, including Total Dhamaal, Kabir Singh, Milan Talkies and Notebook, are also not being released in Pakistan following the attack.