From Shah Rukh Khan to Akshay Kumar: Bollywood pays homage to Pulwama Attack martyrs

There’s a huge outpour of public sentiment across India. Anger, sadness, indignation — mixed feelings about the mindless attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed that took place in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on February 14, have been expressed across the nation. The Hindi film industry is both agitated and upset about this tragedy, which claimed the lives of over 45 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Besides expressing their thoughts through their social media accounts, members of the industry will unite to express solidarity with the armed forces and protest against the ghastly terror strike.

Film industry to march for the slain soldiers

Today afternoon, 24 film associations including the FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and IFTDA (Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association) will participate in a protest at Film City, Goregaon. The various units at the location will halt work for two hours between 2 pm and 4 pm and come together to condemn the terror attack. Similarly, the crews of TV shows, which are being shot today at various venues across the city, will stop work for the two hours as a mark of respect for the bravehearts.

Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker and President of IFTDA, said that they have shared details of their protests with all the film bodies. He says, “We have invited everyone who is a part of the industry to join us as we protest this gruesome terror attack and pay tribute to our martyred soldiers.” 

Pandit added that the industry bodies will also call for a blanket ban on working with talent from the neighbouring country. “They have never condemned any attack by the terrorists. While in the past, there have been instances of keeping cultural exchange separate from confrontations at the border and terror attacks, this time around, we must make it clear that we won’t collaborate with them. Moreover, we should not release our films in Pakistan,” he said, adding, “After this protest, we’ll work on passing a resolution to ban Pakistani talent if they can’t speak against such attacks. If they are gaining from their collaborations with our industry, they must show solidarity with India in such situations as well. They can’t use us only to further their careers.”

Music label axes songs by Pak artistes

The music industry, too, is taking a tough stand. Neha Kakkar and other Indian singers have apparently opted out of a show to be held in Houston, USA, in April, which was backed by a Pakistan-based organiser. Performers from across the border, like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam, seem to have been dropped, too. T-Series, which had recently released tracks with the two singers, have already taken those off their online channels. The music label and production house has also stopped the promotions of these songs.

On a sombre note

Keeping in mind the magnitude of the tragedy, industry people cancelled various film-related and personal events. Kangana Ranaut had planned to celebrate the success of her historical epic Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi with a party at her home on February 16. However, she called off the bash after reports of the attack came to light. Meanwhile, filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala has asked his team to cancel all the plans for his birthday tomorrow.

B-Town grieves for the jawans

Industry folk expressed their grief through their social media accounts. Akshay Kumar, who has been pursuing the cause of looking after martyred soldiers’ families, said, “Numb beyond belief at the dastardly terror attack on #CRPF soldiers in #Pulwama. May God give peace to their souls, and strength to their grieving families. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery. We can’t let this be forgotten.” He also implored people to donate for the kin of these martyrs. He tweeted, “#Pulwama is something we cannot & will not forget. We’re all angry & it’s time to act. So act now, donate to the martyrs of Pulwama on www.bharatkeveer.gov.in  There’s no better way to pay homage to them & show your support.” 

Aamir Khan expressed that he was heartbroken upon hearing the news. He said, “I am heartbroken to read about the terrorist attack on our CRPF Jawans in Pulwama. It’s so tragic. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the Jawans who have lost their lives.” Salman Khan tweeted, “My heart goes out for the Jawans of our beloved country and their families who lost their lives as martyrs to save our families...”

The third Khan of the trio, Shah Rukh, too put his sentiments into words, saying, “Heartfelt condolences to the families of our valiant jawans. May the souls of our countrymen who laid their lives down for us rest in peace. #Pulwama” Some actors also voiced sadness and anger at the news of the incident. Ajay Devgn said, “Horrible and disgusting. Anger can’t be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack.” Ranveer Singh, who wears his emotions on his sleeve, said, “Disgusted at the cowardly terror attack on the #CRPF soldiers in #Pulwama — my sincere condolences to the families of our brave jawans. Saddened. Angry.”

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor’s strong words were, “Shameful shocking reprehensible. Absolute act of cowardice. Perpetrators of this heinous crime cannot be friends with people of Kashmir. We stand by the bereaved families.” Karan Johar’s tweet read, “My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the Pulwama attacks and their families.”

Bollywood actresses, too, were vocal about their feelings. Anushka Sharma said, “It is extremely painful to read about the attack on our brave #CRPF jawans in #Pulwama. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of our martyred soldiers.” Pointing to the despair, Swara Bhaskar wrote, “What a dark dark day... Can’t stop thinking of the mindless violence, evil hate & sinister politics that has killed 40 working class bravehearts today... Thinking of their bereaved families. May they find the strength to deal with this cruel tragedy. Prayers. #PulawamaTerrorAttack”