Punjabi film industry slams anti-India remark by Pak actor Iftikhar Thakur: ‘This may shut doors for other performers too'

Indian Express

09-05-2025

Reacting sharply to a recent statement against India by Pakistani actor Iftikhar Thakur, who is known for his roles in Punjabi films, various people from the state film industry said they will not collaborate with him again.
'I condemn the recent statement by Iftikhar Thakur. Yes, we have worked together on many projects, but… a person who talks like this against our country should not be entertained at all,' actor Binnu Dhillon recently told reporters. 'The one who is against our country is our enemy too. I guarantee that I will not work with him.'
Addressing Indians directly on a Pakistani TV show on May 2, days after the Pahalgam terror attack, Thakur had said: 'Fizaon se aaoge toh hawa mein uda diye jaoge. Samandar ke paniyon se aaoge toh dubo diye jaoge. Zameeni raston se aaoge toh dafna diye jaoge. (If you come through the winds, you will be blown away in the air. If you come through the waters of the ocean, you will be drowned. If you come through the land routes, you will be buried.)'
Expressing his disappointment, Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi, another prominent face in Punjabi cinema, told The Indian Express, 'It is a really unfortunate statement. Artists are meant to spread love and unity even when situations are tense. Everyone has the right to support their nation, but literary figures and artists should always make efforts to unite. His statement is highly condemnable.'
'I don't think any director or producer from Indian Punjabi cinema will ever work with him again. He has worked in many Punjabi movies which were appreciated by the masses. So it means that he is also directly targeting his audience based in India… By this one statement, he has closed the doors for many other Pakistani actors who have been working in Punjabi movies,' Ghuggi said.
Dhillon said it is unlikely that future collaborations with Iftikhar will be allowed to release in India 'Those who are serious about this issue will definitely not work with him now.'
Singer, music director and lyricist Ravinder Singh Ranguwal, who founded the Punjab Cultural Society, said many Pakistani actors earn their living by working in Indian Punjabi cinema. 'Hence, such hateful talk is very unfortunate and highly condemnable. After hearing this, I don't think anyone will cast Thakur in more movies. We have enough talent here,' he stated.
Ranguwal is known for directing the music video Punjab De Puttar, featuring Pakistani singer Akram Rahi and Indian singer-songwriter Pammi Bai, as part of efforts to bring together artistic talent from across the border.
Iftikhar Thakur played major roles in Punjabi films such as Chal Mera Putt (2019) and its two sequels released in 2020 and 2021. He was also part of movies like Sidhus of Southall, Annhi Dea Mazaak Ae, and Ma Da Laadla, all of which were shot abroad, mainly in the UK.
Pakistani actors, including Nasir Chinyoti, Naseem Vicky, and Zafri Khan, have also been seen in Punjabi films, appearing only in scenes shot outside India. Since the 2019 Pulwama attack, Bollywood has imposed an unofficial ban on Pakistani actors but the Punjabi industry in the country has continued to offer them roles that are mostly shot outside India.