Karan Johar breaks silence over ADHM row, says will not work with Pakistani artistes

Director Karan Johar has finally spoken out about the entire controversy surrounding Ae Dil Hai Mushkil as it features Pakistani actor, Fawad Khan in a pivotal role.

The director, in an official video, did not just condemn the Uri attacks but also promised to not work with Pakistani talent given the current political situation between the two countries. The director said,

"There has been some talk about why I remained silent for the past two weeks. Today I would like to clarify that the reason why I remained silent is because of the deep sense of hurt and the deep sense of pain that I felt because a few people actually felt that I am anti-national. I need to say this and say this with strength that my country comes first. I have always felt that the best way to express your patriotism is to spread love and that's all I have ever tried to do through my work and cinema.

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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 relations with the neighbouring country and I respected those efforts then. I respect and understand the sentiments today. I under the sentiments because I feel the same. Going forward, I would like to say that of course, I would not engage with talent from Pakistan given the circumstance. But with that same energy, I would want you to know one thing that over 300 Indian people in my crew have put their blood, sweat and tears in my film and I don't think it is fair to them to face any sort of turbulence.

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I respect the Indian army, I salute the Indian army for everything they do to protect us. I respect them will all my heart and I say I condemn any form of terrorism and especially the terrorism that possesses a threat to the people in my country and me. I just hope all of you understand the situation we are in and respect the fact that we love and respect our country over and above anything else."