Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once again expressed his willingness to collaborate with Pakistani artists, provided the Indian government grants the necessary permissions. Speaking at a recent press conference for his upcoming film Sikandar, Khan addressed the restrictions placed on Pakistani artists since 2016. He stated, “Take the permission from here, and I am ready to work with them,” adding that getting a visa and government approval would also work for him.
Khan has been vocal in supporting Pakistani artists in the past. In 2016, he spoke out against the growing hostility towards them in India, emphasizing that they are artists, not terrorists. He also clarified that it is the government that grants permits and visas, not the artists themselves. Despite the ongoing political tensions, Khan has consistently shown support for cross-border collaborations.
The restrictions on Pakistani artists in India began after the 2016 Uri attack, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. In response, the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA) imposed a ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood. This decision was widely seen as politically motivated rather than an artistic one. However, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition in 2023 seeking a formal ban on Pakistani talent, stating that artists should not be punished for political issues.
Despite this, the Indian film industry still follows an unwritten rule of exclusion due to nationalist sentiments. Khan is currently preparing for the release of Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss, on March 30.