Rajeev Khandelwal, renowned for his diverse roles in films, television, and web series, recently voiced his disapproval of the ban on Pakistani artists. The actor, who appeared in the Emraan Hashmi-starrer “Showtime,” discussed his views in an interview with Bollywood Bubble, condemning the political motives behind the ban.
In the interview, Khandelwal remarked, “Nahi nahi, it is politics. Bohot galat hai. Logo ko ban karne waale kaun hote hain politicians. Humari politics dictate karti hai kuchh cheezo ko. Jaha pe pyaar badh sakta hai, uss pyaar ko bhi aap badhne nahi de rahe, for whatever reasons. So, I don’t understand this. Mera comment karna bhi galat hoga kyuki mujhe samajh hi nahi aata hai ki kyu. Hum aman ki baat karte hain na. To jaha aman ban raha hai waha bhi political party ke log aa ke usko Hindu-Muslim ka angle de dete hain. Toh wo galat hai. Aisa thodi hai ki Pakistan ki government unhe agent ki tarah bhej rhi hai. Pata nahi. I have seen a lot of love coming.”
(No, it is all politics. This is very wrong. Who are these politicians to ban artists? Our politics dictates a certain narrative. Where there is love blossoming between two nations, you don’t even allow that for whatever reasons. So, I don’t understand this. I also feel that it’s wrong on my part to comment on this as I don’t understand it. We often speak about harmony and peace. So, where there is genuine peace and harmony, there too political parties give it a Hindu-Muslim angle. That is not right. It’s not that the Pakistani government is sending the artists as agents. I have only seen a lot of love coming).
Khandelwal’s remarks highlight the contentious nature of the ban, suggesting it hinders cultural exchange and fosters unnecessary division. His perspective adds to the ongoing debate about the influence of politics on artistic collaboration between India and Pakistan.
Rajeev Khandelwal has built a notable career in the Indian entertainment industry. He gained fame with popular Hindi television shows such as “Kahiin To Hoga” and “Sacch Ka Saamna.” His Bollywood debut came with the critically acclaimed film “Aamir” in 2008. He went on to star in movies like “Shaitan” (2011) and “Table No 21” (2013). Most recently, his Disney+ Hotstar series “Showtime” was renewed for a second season, marking another milestone in his successful career.
Khandelwal’s comments and his continuing work in diverse entertainment mediums reflect his commitment to promoting unity and artistic freedom amidst political tensions.
