Mumbai: Veteran actor Om Puri has 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, Om Puri said on Monday: "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."
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".
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."
Om Puri visited Pakistan in August to promote the Pakistani film Actor in Law, in which he plays a key role.
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