Readers tell us if Bollywood celebs should speak on politics

With Karan Johar becoming the latest Bollywood celebrity to fall prey to collective bullying over Pakistan artists and pledging his "patriotism" before 1.2 billion Indians, it seems speaking up on political issues and taking a stand are increasingly coming under attack. Anurag Kashyap, who came out in support of Karan Johar's Ai Dil Hai Mushkil and its star cast which includes Fawad Khan, had to clarify that he was questioning the fairness of the judgment of banning Pak artists, not questioning the PM on issues of terrorism.

It's not surprising that the lynchmob mentality has now taken over almost every sphere, particularly soft targets like the film industry, which are heavily reliant on cross-border talent, when in acting, or in music direction and singing. When Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah had spoken out against the banning of Pakistan artists, they were booed on social media, faced animosities on live TV from fellow panellists.

Of late, Priyanka Chopra has categorically said that imposing an embargo on cross-border talent exchange make little sense because that means shutting out the finest and most moderate voices from across the border. However, none of that has made any impact on the marauding mob who want to burn down the theatre where ADHM would release, or the political parties like MNS that openly threaten to vandalise and harm Bollywood personalities who want to take a principled stand. 

Is it right to question the prime minister - like Kashyap has done - as to why his Pakistan visit isn't panned by the bhakts on social media, but film actors and producers are targeted for using talents from across the border? Is it correct to keep the channels of art and cinema open at a time when terrorism is attaining a mammoth size in the public perception of the danger posed by it.

We opened up the debate to our readers. From saying that the ban is atrocious to actively advocating more stringent action, the response has been varied - to say the least.

Please read on to find out more.

DailyO readers weigh in:

Remia Machado Ferreira: Ban should be applicable to the films which are to be made henceforth. And it's wrong to involve the films which have already been made. I mean, it's like beef is now banned, but since you ate it earlier, you are now under arrest.

Aziz Abdi: Of course art does not have any boundaries and why certain people are creating ruckus for the movies just because the star cast has a Pakistani artist and why are we forgetting that there are lots of INDIAN people who have worked day and night for the project? Where is the slain patrotrism of such people? Will they let their hard work go in vain just because of this?

Also read: Anurag Kashyap's response to row over tweeting to Modi over Pakistani artists

Also read: Banning Indian films will hurt India, not Pakistan

Watch: Karan Johar breaks silence on ADHM, Pak artists ban: Respect my country and the Army above all else