Karan Johar explains his patriotism, speaks on Pak artistes ban

Mumbai: Facing ire of several, ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ director Karan Johar, in a two-minute video, clarified regarding his silence from past two weeks saying he was deeply hurt as people tagged him as anti-national. It is due to the casting of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan that ADHM is facing people’s rage following which few cinema bodies boycotted the film amid protests.

Explaining his part out, Johar said that when they shot the film in September to December last year, the government was making efforts for peace with Pakistan.

Respecting people’s sentiments, Johar urged Indians to stop any turbulence saying that 300 people have made efforts in the making of the film.

Kjo also condemned every kind of terrorism saluting the Indian Army for its bravery fighting against terror and protecting the people of India.

Here is what Karan Johar said in a 2-minute video:

There has been some talk about why I remained silent for the past two weeks. Today I would like to clarify that the reason why I remained silent is because of the deep sense of hurt and the deep sense of pain that I felt because a few people actually felt that I am anti-national. I need to say this and say this with strength that my country comes first. I have always felt that the best way to express your patriotism is to spread love and that's all I have ever tried to do through my work and cinema.When I shot my film, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in September to December last year, the climate was completely different, the circumstances were completely different. There were efforts made by our government for peaceful relation with the neighbouring country and I respected those efforts then. I respect and understand the sentiments today as well. I understand the sentiments because I feel the same. Going forward, I would like to say that of course I would not engage with talent from our neighboring countries given the circumstance. But with that same energy I would want you to know that over 300 Indian people in my crew have put their blood, sweat and tears in my film and I don't think it is fair to them to face any sort of turbulence. I respect the Indian army, I salute the Indian army for everything they do to protect us. I respect them with all my heart and I say I condemn any form of terrorism and especially the terrorism that possess threat to the people in my country and me. I just hope all of you understand the situation we are in and respect the fact that we love and respect our country over and above anything else.

Other Highlights:

• Ae Dil Hai Mushkil stars Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Shamra and Fawad Khan.
• The film is set to hit the theatres on October 28.
• The flick will clash with Ajay Devgn starrer 'Shivaay'.