New Delhi:
Actor Om Puri faces severe flak from people across the country on social media for his tweet that said nobody forced soldiers to join the army and people should ask whether India and Pakistan should become Israel and Palestine.
The actor has also been slammed by a section of the film fraternity for comments they say are insulting to Indian soldiers.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and veteran actor Anupam Kher came out against Om Puri after he told a TV channel that nobody forced soldiers to join the army and people should ask whether India and Pakistan should become Israel and Palestine.
During a debate on a TV channel, he said, "Did we force them to join the army? My father was also in the army... We are proud of them (soldiers)... I am asking you: Do you want India and Pakistan to become Israel and Palestine?
"I don't give a damn to Salman Khan or some other Khan... Go to Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and cancel their (Pakistani actors') visas. Prepare 15-20 people as suicide bombers and send them to Pakistan."
Reacting to his comment, Pandit tweeted, "Om Puriji, Pak artistes banned isn't a solution, but show of solidarity to our martyrs. We can't be lighting pyres while continuing to perform with them."
#OmPuri Ji, #PakArtistsBanned isn't a solution bt show of solidarity 2 our martyrs. V can't b lighting pyres while cont. 2 perform with them
— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) October 3, 2016
Besides, Anupam also wrote that he respects Om a lot, but said watching him on the TV show and hearing his views related to Indian soldiers was "very sad".
Dear #OmPuri ji. Mai aapki bahut izzat karta hoon. Lekin kal tv per desh ke sainik ke baare mein aapki baat sunkar bahut DUKH hua. #VerySad
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 4, 2016
Actress Meerra Chopra wrote, "All respect lost for Om Puri! What a shame."
Folk singer Malini Awasthi tweeted, "What a shame Om Puri! Heard him on TV and I couldn't believe my ears. What a disgrace! Just lost all respect as an actor."
Furthermore, media reports suggest that an FIR has been filed against Om Puri in Mumbai’s Andheri police station for his comments on Indian soldiers. Â
