Ranbir Kapoor opens up about the backlash over his desire to do Pakistani films: 'First priority will always be your country'

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor recently clarified his statement on working in Pakistani films, saying that his comments were misconstrued by the media. The actor while attending the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2022, had suggested that he would be open to work in Pakistani films if he was offered good roles and scripts.

However, after his statement went viral on social media, some people criticized him for his comment, and accused him of supporting the Pakistani film industry at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan were high.

In response to the criticism, Ranbir Kapoor during the promotions of Tu Jhooti Main Makkaar in Chandigarh clarified his position. He said that his comments made during the Red Sea International Film Festival were taken out of context and that he was not supporting any country or film industry over another. Ranbir recalled his interactions with Pakistani filmmakers who asked him if he’d do their films if the script was good. The Shamshera actor claimed he wanted to keep the whole conversation non-controversial.

“I don’t think itni bhi badi controversy hui. (It was not a big controversy) But, for me, films are films, art is art. I have worked with Fawad (Khan) in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. I have known a lot of artists from Pakistan. Rahat (Fateh Ali Khan) and Atif Aslam are such great singers who used to contribute to Hindi cinema. So, cinema is cinema. I don’t think cinema sees boundaries,” Ranbir said during the promotions of his film.

He also added that he was aware of the current political tensions between India and Pakistan and that he did not want his comments to be misconstrued or misunderstood.

“But, of course, you have to respect art but at the same time art is not bigger than your country. So, anybody who is not on good terms with your country, your first priority will always be your country,” Ranbir added clarifying his stand.

The actor is known for his performances in popular Bollywood films such as Barfi!, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Sanju. He will be seen on the big screen on Holi next starring opposite Shraddha Kapoor in Luv Ranjan’s directorial Tu Jhooti Main Makkaar.