Pak artists in India: Saif Ali Khan's other strong statements on Pakistan, Hafiz Saeed

Saif Ali Khan has time and again not minced words while talking about India-Pakistan relations, terrorism and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Listen to Story

Advertisement
Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan

In the wake of the September 18 Uri attack, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) called for a ban on all Pakistani artists in India. While the issue of letting Pakistani artistes work in India has left Bollywood polarised, actor Saif Ali Khan feels it's better to leave it to the Indian government to decide who it wants to allow to work in country.

ALSO READ: Saif Ali Khan on Phantom ban and Uncle Isfandiyar - My uncle is in equal trouble for having relatives in India


OPINION: Why is Hafiz Saeed so threatened by Phantom, a film?

advertisement

Khan said, "This (cross cultural exchange) should definitely be encouraged. The industry is open to world talent, especially from across the border. But the government has to decide these things. We are artistes and we will talk about love and peace. But the government has to take such decisions about law and who to allow to work here and who isn't."

Saif Ali Khan has time and again taken a strong stand against terrorism and the way Pakistan and India both treat each other's films. When Saif's film Phantom was banned in Pakistan last year, at the behest of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, the actor minced no words as far as the treatment of the Kabir Khan-directed film was concerned.

Here are five statements from Saif that made heads turn:

On the MNS calling for a ban on Pakistani artists
We are artistes and we will talk about love and peace. But the government has to take such decisions about law and who to allow to work here and who isn't.

On the struggles of expressing one's opinion post the Phantom ban in Pakistan

It is terrible to apologise for expressing one's opinion. If our beliefs or statements are scrutinised all the time, then nothing original or heartfelt would ever be said.

On Hafiz Saeed moving court to get Phantom banned in Pakistan

We have seen Hafiz Saeed's hate speeches. He hates us. And people like Ajmal Kasab are a result of it. They are sent to India to harbour terrorist organisations.

On the Phantom ban in Pakistan

India and Pakistan have always shared a very complicated relationship. If you tell uncomfortable truths, films gets banned.

On Hafiz Saeed

They (Pakistan) are not admitting that he (Hafiz Saeed) is a terrorist. He is not admitting he is a terrorist. ... I believe he is India's enemy number one. I believe he says and does dreadful things in India.(The writer tweets as @ananya116.)