Karan Johar’s Statement: On Uri attacks and working with Pakistani artists

His statement:

There’s been some talk of why I remained silent for the past two weeks.

Today, I’d like to clarify the reason why I remained silent is because of the deep sense of hurt and the deep sense of pain that I felt that a few people would actually believe that I’m being anti-national. I need to say this and I say this with strength, that for me, my country comes first. Nothing else matters to me, but my country. I’ve always felt that the best way to express your patriotism is to spread love and that’s all I’ve ever tried to do through my work and my cinema.

When I shot my film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ in September to December last year, the climate was completely different. The circumstances were completely different. There were efforts made by our government for peaceful relationships with the neighbouring country and I respected those endeavours and efforts. And I respect the sentiment today. I understand the sentiment because I feel the same.

Going forward, I would like to say that of course I will not engage with talent from the neighbouring country given the circumstances.

But with that same energy, I want you to know one thing that over 300 Indian people in my crew have put their blood, sweat and tears into my film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. And I don’t think it’s fair to them to face any kind of turbulence on account of other fellow Indians.

I respect the Indian army, I salute the Indian army for everything they do to protect us in our environment. I respect them with all my heart and I say I condemn any form of terrorism, specially the form of terrorism that would affect my people in my country and me.

I just hope all of you understand exactly the circumstance and situation that we are in and respect the fact that we love and respect our country over and above anything else.

Karan Johar