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Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Naseeruddin Shah is frustrated and restless': Ashoke Pandit slams actor for supporting Diljit Dosanjh in Sardaar Ji 3 controversy, actor deletes post
While the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has waged a war against singer-turned-actor Diljit Dosanjh and even issued an official directive demanding his boycott and removal from the upcoming Border 2 for working with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his latest film Sardaar Ji 3, the organisation's move has not been well-received by all in the artistic community. Recently, legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah had come out in support of Diljit while also taking a swipe at FWICE. His comments have since drawn sharp criticism from producer-director Ashoke Pandit, who claimed they reflected Shah's 'frustration and restlessness.' In a now-deleted post on Facebook, Shah had noted, 'I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks deptt of Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him. They think they've got it at last. He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was. But no one knows who he is whereas Diljit is known the world over, and he agreed to the cast because his mind is not poisoned.' Hitting back at the actor, Pandit told news agency ANI, 'We are not surprised, not shocked by Naseeruddin Shah's response to Diljit Dosanjh's entire episode. He calls us Jumla party, he calls us goons. The educated, versatile actor, senior person in the industry, calling us goons proves the frustration and kind of restlessness of Naseeruddin Shah.' Ashoke Pandit also serves as the president of the Indian Film & Television Director's Association (IFTDA), one of the several associations affiliated with FWICE. 'Naseeruddin Shah says that he (Diljit) was not responsible for casting. Well, I would like to tell Naseeruddin Shah that he was an actor. He could have refused to work with Pakistani actors,' he added. Ashoke Pandit is known for bankrolling propagandistic films such as The Accidental Prime Minister (2019) and 72 Hoorain (2023). He also directed the movie Sheen (2004) and television shows like Tere Mere Sapne, Hanste Khelte and Muqammal. Also Read | Sardaar Ji 3: Diljit Dosanjh shares film's overwhelming response in Pakistan as it's a no-show in India He continued: 'It's very sad that I have to, on behalf of the Federation of Western India's senior employees, explain to him the real situation between Pakistan and India. Naseeruddin Shah, from the last 40 years, Pakistan has been abusing and attacking India. They have killed people, they have raped people, they have massacred people in this country of ours. It's not only Pahalgam. It is the latest attack. Before that, Pulwama, Uri, Mumbai Blast, 26/11, there are so many attacks Pakistan is responsible. And Pakistan is a terror nation.' 'For us, our country comes first. So, our response to the entire episode, our response to the entire film Sardaar Ji 3, according to us is right. Let me tell you Naseer sahab, we have taken a call to issue a non-cooperation against Diljit and we have already issued,' Pandit added. Following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, FWICE had imposed a blanket ban on artistes from Pakistan. Amid this, the Punjabi horror comedy Sardaar Ji 3 arrived, featuring actor Hania Aamir, which irked the federation. It then demanded an unconditional apology from Diljit, accusing him of hurting 'national sentiments' and disregarding the 'sacrifices' of Indian soldiers. A formal 'Non-Cooperation Directive' was also issued against him. Commenting on the controversy, Diljit told BBC Asian Network, 'When the film was made, the situation was fine. This film was shot in February. A lot of things happened after that which are not in our control. When it (Pahalgam attack) happened, the producers knew that they can't release this film in India anymore. But, they decided to release it overseas as they have invested a lot of money in the film. They will 100% suffer losses because they are removing an entire territory. The truth is when I signed the film, the situation was just fine. Now, when the producers want to release it overseas, I will have to stand with them and support their decision.'
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
As paparazzi ‘haunt' Karisma Kapoor, family after Sunjay Kapur's death, TV actor thankful she mourned husband in peace
Businessman Sunjay Kapur died after a heart attack during a polo game in London on Thursday. As his family and company mourned him, the well-wishers and family members of his ex-wife, actor Karisma Kapoor, also rushed to be by her side. But many online criticised how the paparazzi behaved around Kareena Kapoor, who was at sister Karisma's house. (Also read: Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan rushed to be by Karisma Kapoor and her kids' side at 2am after Sunjay Kapur's death news) Karisma's sister Kareena Kapoor and her husband Saif Ali Khan rushed to be by Karisma Kapoor's side at 2 am on Friday morning, hours after the news of Sunjay's death emerged. On Friday, Kareena was spotted exiting Karisma's house. Paparazzi clicked the actor as she sat in her car, seemingly trying to hide her face from the camera flashes. However, a few paparazzi implied that Kareena was crying as she was sitting in the car. One Instagram page shared the video writing, "@kareenakapoorkhan was crying as she spotted @therealkarismakapoor leaving the house after Sunjay Kapur's death." This, coupled with how the paparazzi crowded around Kareena and her vehicle, angered many online. A post shared by AltBollywood (@alt_bollywood) TV actor Suzanne Bernert was among the first to comment. The actor, who lost her husband Akhil Mishra in 2023, recalled that time and commented, "I am so glad that no press was anywhere when my Akhil passed away. It's horrible to be haunted when all you want to do is curl up and cry." Another fan echoed, "She is a mother and a wife and a couple of months ago, she nearly lost Saif due to a cowardly attack on him. She has gone through a lot. Let her do what she wants to now. She deserves as much." Suzanne is a German actor who works in India. She has appeared in films like Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. and The Accidental Prime Minister. But her real claim to fame is playing Queen Helena in Chakravartin Ashok Samrat. The actor has portrayed Sonia Gandhi in a number of films and TV shows. Suzanne married actor Akhil Mishra in 2009. Mishra died on 20 September 2023 at the age of 67 after suffering a fall in the kitchen. A post shared by Suzanne Bernert (@suzannebernert) Others were more sceptical of how Kareena's video was presented. "Did Kareena know that she was crying?" quipped one fan. Many said the actor was merely hiding her face from the camera. Attributing to allegations of domestic violence in Karisma and Sunjay's marriage, one commenter wrote, "Why the f*** will she cry for a person who abused her is just hiding her face." Sunjay Kapur, the Chairman of auto components firm Sona Comstar, suffered a heart attack while he was in the middle of a polo match, according to reports. He was 53. He had been married to Karisma Kapoor from 2003-16. The two have two children. Sunjay was previously married to fashion designer and stylist and Nandita Mahtani from 1996-2000. Since 2017, he had been married to model-turned-actor Priya Sachdev, with whom he had a son.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Senate chairman explains Pakistan's approach to India's belligerence
LAHORE: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that during the recent Indian provocations, the entire Pakistani nation, along with all political parties, demonstrated exemplary unity, which played a pivotal role in delivering a strong and effective national response to the enemy. Talking to the media after visiting the International Solar Energy Exhibition at the Expo Centre, here on Sunday, he said that the bravery and professionalism of Pakistan's armed forces are acknowledged globally. He stressed that despite being a nuclear power, Pakistan responded to Indian provocations with restraint and strategic maturity. 'Pakistan's measured and well-thought-out response has earned global recognition for its wisdom and composure,' he said. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation for demonstrating unity and playing a vital role in shaping a cohesive national response. 'The credit for our firm and peaceful strategy goes to the leadership, armed forces, and the unity of all political stakeholders,' he added. He said Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to peace and dialogue, consistently prioritizing negotiations over confrontation in resolving regional issues. 'We have never taken any action that would threaten the stability of the region,' he said. To a question on Balochistan, he recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister, he had clearly highlighted India's involvement in sponsoring terrorism and unrest in the province. 'At that time, I presented evidence to international forums and even Bollywood produced a film, The Accidental Prime Minister, which indirectly hinted at Indian policy contradictions. This led India to show willingness to engage in dialogue on core issues like Siachen, Kashmir, and interference in Balochistan,' he said. To another query, he said Pakistan had called for a neutral and independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, but India refused. He noted that India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and blocked river flows, actions that violate international law. 'However, Pakistan's leadership and armed forces responded firmly, demonstrating our full capability to defend our sovereignty. The armed forces acted decisively and solely in self-defense,' he added. On domestic politics, the senate chairman stressed the need for national unity. He declined to comment on PTI's narrative, stating that their cases are sub judice and will be decided by courts. 'We must now focus on uniting the nation. Political divisions must not derail our shared goals,' he said. Responding to a question on the upcoming federal budget, he called for maximum relief for the common man. 'I am a public representative, and so are my children. I urge the government to provide substantial relief to the people in the next budget,' he said. On energy policy, he underscored the importance of affordable energy solutions. 'If subsidies are to be reduced in the next budget, there must be alternatives such as affordable solar panels to reduce the burden of electricity bills on the public,' he suggested. He also advocated cutting unnecessary expenditures in other sectors to divert resources toward public relief. When asked about PPP's role in current political developments, he responded that the party always put national interest first. 'At this stage, it's not about any party or individual, it's about Pakistan. Any consultations, whether through Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz or coordination committees, are aimed at the country's betterment,' he said. Earlier, Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani toured various stalls and appreciated the quality of Pakistani solar energy products and technologies on display. Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abuzar Shad also accompanied him during the visit. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
