Abhay Deol says ban on Pakistan artists, movies 'hypocritical'

Known for his offbeat movies, Bollywood actor Abhay Deol dared the the Indian zealots to ‘go the distance’ while boycotting everything from Pakistan.

He has proclaimed banning only movies as hypocrisy of the incumbent government, while businesses are bustling and industrious.

“If you want to ban anything to do with Pakistan, then go the distance. Don’t just ban filmmakers. Why are you doing a half-hearted job? Ban the business dealings, the import, the export because when you do half a job no one will take you seriously,” he said while replying to a query during a media talk.

I don’t take the (Modi) government seriously because they are only banning us from collaborating with artistes. They are not banning businessmen from making business

After receiving threats from extremists, several Indian artists have told them that artists have nothing to with war or terrorism. However, Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association have decided not to screen any flick starring Pakistani actors.

Abhay has a different logic. He does not want the government to earn publicity through the stunt of depriving artists of their right to do work cross-borders.

“I don’t take the (Modi) government seriously because they are only banning us from collaborating with artistes. They are not banning businessmen from making business. So, if you really mean what you say, then go the distance. Then I will take you seriously. Right now it is not looking like you mean it, it just looks like it gets you a lot of publicity and makes a lot of noise,” said the 40-year-old actor.

He has put question mark over demand of banning movies. The actor wants the government to reply on whether this move will help Indian soldiers feel better, if yes, then why does the government not go the distance to accomplish the task?

He stated: “But really what is the point of it? I will support it if you think banning anything to do with Pakistan is going to help our jawans, fine. But I don’t see the whole distance. I see one little thing looked at and banned and another part being left. Sounds hypocritical to me.”

#WATCH: "If you want to ban anything to do with Pak,then go the distance. Don't just ban filmmakers", says Abhay Deol on #ADHM controversy pic.twitter.com/OiGMTRUwu8

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 20, 2016

It is very unfortunate that a film, and a filmmaker gets targeted like that: Director Zoya Akhtar on #ADHM controversy pic.twitter.com/36QtszoKcA

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 20, 2016

He didn’t do anything wrong, he has not broken the law. Visas are being granted by Govt, its legal for people to work here: Zoya #ADHM pic.twitter.com/Bab6zkO9Az

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 20, 2016

He shot the film at a time when the situation was pleasant. Today at the time of film’s release he is being bullied: Zoya Akhtar #ADHM pic.twitter.com/BHwPv7WzH7

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 20, 2016

I have many many views but my concern is if I voice those views, I am gonna have people come and try to burn my house: Imran Khan #ADHM pic.twitter.com/N4faWS04PW

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 20, 2016

I don’t want people to threaten me or beat me up, I want to avoid these things. Will keep my opinion to myself: Imran Khan,Actor #ADHM pic.twitter.com/BFAKd3dvUI

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 20, 2016

'I don't take the government seriously', Indian actor on Pakistani artists' ban