Bigg Boss OTT 3 Star Sai Ketan Rao Says No To Shooting In Turkey
Last Updated:
Sai Ketan Rao was supposed to shoot a 'beautiful music album' in Turkey, but he declined due to the ongoing boycott trend of Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Television actor Sai Ketan Rao conveyed to his fans that he is choosing his 'identity" as an Indian before art. Amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with Turkey and Azerbaijan openly supporting the latter, the actor made the bold decision to turn down a promising project whose shoot was scheduled to take place in Turkey.
Taking to his Instagram, Sai explained his decision to his lakhs of followers, saying that he couldn't proceed with a project in a country that stands against India's interests. He stated, 'You know, sometimes in life, the choices we make go beyond contracts, careers, or even personal gain." Sai revealed that he was offered a beautiful music album, which was scheduled to be shot in Turkey. He added, 'It was tempting. Great exposure, an amazing team, picturesque locations… everything an artist could ask for. But I DECLINED!!!!!!!"
Referring to the tension between India and Pakistan, with Turkey backing Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Armed Forces launched counter-terror attacks on Pakistan, Sai explained, 'Because there comes a moment when art must take a step back, and identity must step forward." He added, 'At this very moment, my nation – India – is facing tension, conflict, and pain. And Turkey, as we all know, is openly supporting the other side-Pakistan. How could I, in good conscience, go and work on their soil, smile for the cameras, and pretend it's just 'another job'? No."
The actor continued, 'Because, for me, it's not just about the work. It's about where I stand. And I stand with my country. This isn't about hate – it's about loyalty. This isn't about politics – it's about principles."
Towards the end of his long note, Sai reiterated his love for his country before his art, saying, 'There will be many projects, web shows, songs, movies etc., But my nation is first. My integrity is one. And when the world watches, I want them to see one thing clearly – that I chose to stand with India. Even in silence, even in sacrifice – this was my loudest performance yet. JAI HIND!!"
Sai Ketan Rao is best known for his roles in TV shows like Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali, Chashni and Imlie. Besides, he appeared on the reality TV show Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 and became one of the top four finalists.
First Published:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
15 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Aamir Khan answers those questioning his patriotism: ‘My film Sarfarosh was the first to take Pakistan's name, suffered losses but…'
India and Pakistan's recent conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack has caused a storm in the Hindi film industry. Many people blamed the Khan trio – Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan for not speaking up against Pakistan publicly in the aftermath of the attack. No, in a recent interview, Aamir defended himself after the accusations, revealing that his 1999 release Sarfarosh was the first ever film in the history of Indian films, to refer to the country as Pakistan instead of 'padosi mulk'. The actor also revealed that he even took a stand for the country and didn't allow Dangal's release in Pakistan despite possible losses, because their censor board demanded the removal of the Indian flag and national anthem. During a chat with Rajat Sharma on his show Aap Ki Adalat, Aamir cited former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani's example and said, 'If you pick India's film history, we have never been allowed to take their name, we had to use the term 'padosi mulk'. My film Sarfarosh was the first one ever in history, in which we have taken Pakistan and ISI's names without hesitation. John said that the Censor Board won't pass this. I said, 'Why won't they? We will explain it to them'. When Advani ji can call their name in the Parliament publicly that they are doing wrong by us and spreading terrorism, then why can't we?' The film's team finally received the permission to take Pakistan's name. 'We got permission to use the names on that basis. So many films released after that were using Pakistan's name. People say that I don't say anything against them, but sabse bada naam toh unka maine hi liya hai, aur kisi ne nahi. After Sarfarosh, I got many negative comments from Pakistan for attacking them in the film,' he added. Moreover, Aamir Khan lost money for not allowing his 2016 film Dangal's release at the theatres in Pakistan. 'When Dangal released, Disney was one of the producers. When they presented it, they got a reaction from Pakistan's censor board to remove the last scene – where they hoist the tricolour and sing the national anthem after Geeta Phogat's victory in the match. I told them within a second that our film won't be released in Pakistan. I didn't even think twice. They said that it will affect our business and cause losses. I told them I have no interest in people who are asking to remove the Indian flag and national anthem, I don't want that business or money,' the actor shared. ALSO READ | Aamir Khan recalls creditors yelling at him when father went 'almost bankrupt': 'They would say your father hasn't paid us back, very difficult period' When asked by the host about making most of his money from China, he clarified and replied, 'I have earned the most from India only. In China, two of my films worked a lot – Secret Superstar and Dangal. They love my films a lot. When these films released, we didn't have any enemity with China, there was actually friendship.' Referring to a recent award he received in China, he continued, 'They didn't call me 'National treasure of China', you should take note that they awarded me as 'National treasure of India'. Yes, they are out enemies right now. Jo Jo humaare khilaaf hoga, lekin main humesha humaare armed forces and desh ki saath hi khada rahunga.' During the same interview, Aamir also spoke about visiting the soldiers at Kargil. 'I have gone there. When the Kargil war happened and we won, I spent eight days there. I landed in Leh and I was on that road which leads to Srinagar, for those eight days. I met every regiment there – SM rifle, Rajputana rifle, Ladakh scout, and many more. I only met jawans, went to encourage them. Aapne humaare liye yudh jeeta hai, hifaasat ki hai, main aapko pranaam karta hun, main aapka shukraguzaar hun. I don't think anyone else went there,' he said. From living in a bunker near the border to eating with the soldiers, the actor did it all. Instead of him encouraging the jawans, the opposite happened. 'I made a request to the army's high command to spend these eight days with jawans, not with officers specifically. I wanted to encourage them but after spending so many days, I realised that our Indian soldiers don't even need to motivation. They are living and working in such a difficult terrain but their confidence and strength is of another level. They have a bright smile on their faces. They ended up boosting my morale, instead of vice versa.' 'I ate with them and asked about their lives. I even spent one of the nights in a bunker at the border. There were around 6-8 soldiers there with me. I don't think anyone else has done this. I am only answering this because you asked, otherwise I don't feel good about advertising whatever good deeds I have done. I don't have this nature, I live my own life,' Aamir concluded.
New Indian Express
15 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Keerthy Suresh-starrer 'Uppu Kappurambu' to stream on Prime Video from July 4
NEW DELHI: Telugu film 'Uppu Kappurambu', headlined by Keerthy Suresh, is set to premiere on Prime Video on July 4, the streaming platform announced on Monday. The movie is written by Vasanth Maringanti and directed by Ani I V Sasi and produced by Radhika Lavu also starring Talluri Rameshwari, Suhas and Shatru. The coming-of-age satire which is set in the backdrop of the 1990s. Prime Video shared the news on its official Instagram handle. "Get ready for this heartwarming ride with the citizens of Chitti Jayapuram. #UppuKappuRambuOnPrime, New Movie, July 4," read the caption.
Pink Villa
17 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Kim Kardashian Shares UNSEEN Baby PICS of Daughter North West on 12th Birthday Amid Custody Battle with Kanye West
Kim Kardashian celebrated her daughter North West's 12th birthday by sharing a heartwarming collection of baby pictures on Instagram. The unseen snaps offer a rare look at North as a toddler, from cuddling with Kim to playing with toys. The mom-of-four posted the photos on Sunday, June 15, marking North's special day with a touching caption: 'My little baby North turns 12 years old today. We were looking at pics today together and laughing so hard, you were so small. It's been the most special calling being your mom. I love you forever and got you forever my bubs.' The photos include North West sleeping peacefully, playing with her mom's hair, holding a toy microphone, and sharing tender moments with Kim. One image shows the toddler playing music, a nod to her growing interest in music, following in her father Kanye West's footsteps. Here's what Kim and North did together earlier this year This isn't the first time Kim Kardashian has shared a glimpse into her close bond with North. Back in April, the pair were spotted outside the Purelux Scalp Spa in Los Angeles. The mom-and-daughter duo arrived in matching pink and white striped pajamas as per Mirror. Kim later shared the experience on her Instagram story, walking followers through the scalp treatment process, from using a camera to inspect the scalp to the deep cleansing and massage steps. Still dressed in their pajamas, the two later visited a rage room. Kim shared a photo with the caption: 'After the scalp spa and still in our pajama we went to a rage room.' Their day ended with a seafood dinner, with Kim posting a video of the table and writing: 'The boiling crab for the win.' North West has already begun exploring music like her dad, Kanye West. She appeared in FKA Twigs' music video for Childlike Things earlier this year, rapping a verse in fluent Japanese. In the vibrant video, North wears a large white furry coat, sparkly glasses, chunky necklaces, and rings.
