Amitabh Bachchan says it's time to express solidarity with Indian jawans

Amid the demand for a ban on Pakistani actors after the Uri terror attack, megastar Amitabh Bachchan today said the nation is incensed and it is time to express solidarity with Indian jawans. At a press conference on the occasion of his birthday today, Bachchan also said he respects all artistes. Following the Uri attack, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS had raised objections to Pakistani artistes working in India.

When asked if Bollywood is divided over supporting Pakistani artistes working in India, Bachchan said, "With folded hands I request you that this is not the time and I don't think it is right to put forward these questions."

The megastar, who turned 74 today, felt that considering the grave situation at the border one should express solidarity with Indian soldiers. "Who said what and why, where and how, this is not the time for it. The nation is incensed, the people of this country are very angry by the incidents that are happening at our border," he said.

"I think it is time to express solidarity with our jawans, armed forces who are sacrificing their life so that you and me can be safe now. That's what needs to be put in question and nothing else." When asked if an artiste from a country should be banned or not, he said, "I have answered this question earlier. I respect all artistes."

Bachchan refuted reports that he would be singing a song for Uri martyrs. "This is not correct. I was in New Delhi where a Member of Parliament was acknowledging the Hanuman Chalisa, Ganpati aarti and he said I should sing for this (Uri martyrs). I said yes ok but I need some inputs. I think he went and said I should sing (for Uri martyrs), and from 'should' it became 'will', you (media) know better how it happens," he said.

--PTI