The upcoming Bollywood film Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, has stirred controversy and faced criticism from prominent Pakistani celebrities for its anti-Pakistan narrative.
The trailer, which asserts India’s ownership of Kashmir, has prompted an outcry from influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Acclaimed actor Adnan Siddiqui expressed his disappointment, stating,
Once celebrated for love, Bollywood now crafts hate-filled narratives, portraying us as villains. Despite our love for your films, it’s disheartening. Art transcends boundaries; let’s use it to promote love and peace. Two nations, victims of politics, deserve better.
Once celebrated for love, Bollywood now crafts hate-filled narratives, portraying us as villains. Despite our love for your films, it's disheartening. Art transcends boundaries; let's use it to promote love and peace. Two nations, victims of politics, deserve better.
— Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) January 16, 2024
Hania Aamir also shared her disapproval on Instagram, writing,
So sad and unfortunate to know that there are artists out there who are aware of the power that cinema holds and still go ahead and feed the rift between the two countries. Let art breathe.
Actor Hira Khan criticized the film, saying, “Sad that such big superstars need to bash Pakistan to make their movies.”
Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui initially expressed excitement about the film but later shared her disappointment on Instagram, addressing the inaccuracies in the trailer. She remarked, “Kashmiris deserve an independent state, full stop. India needs to move past its entitlement of making Kashmiris slaves.”
Zara further commented on the film’s lackluster imitation of Top Gun and questioned the need to perpetuate narratives of hatred between India and Pakistan.
Asad Siddiqui took to Instagram to voice his concerns, saying,
Aren’t you guys tired of selling the same false crap?! Grow up, guys! The world is moving on and getting mature but why do you want to sell this cheap story of hatred? We all have a responsibility to promote peace around the globe instead of hate.
Asad concluded his statement with a plea for responsible content creation, urging filmmakers to consider their role in spreading reconciliation and coexistence.
