As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, several celebrities and filmmakers across the entertainment industry have called for restraint and sensitivity in public engagements. However, actor Nani’s decision to go ahead with the success meet of his latest film HIT 3 has led to severe criticism.
In fact, the backlash intensified following Nani’s on-stage explanation during the event held on Friday (May 9). Addressing the audience, the actor stated that he deliberately chose not to cancel the celebration. A section of social media users, however, supported Nani's decision.
Several videos of the actor from the event have surfaced on social media, with netizens slamming the rationale behind the success meet.
In the now-viral clips, Nani is heard saying, "Didn’t want to give Pakistan any reason to feel victorious." The actor added that holding the event was a way of sending a message - that even amid heightened tensions, they could not disrupt a film function in India.
While the actor attempted to justify the decision as a patriotic stance, many felt the explanation lacked sensitivity. A section of social media users described Nani's comment as a desperate effort to rationalise a tone-deaf move during a time of national anxiety.
Reacting to Nani's comment, a Reddit user wrote, "This is what happens when lot of people think these people are Gods. They start believing it themselves."
"Oh God, did he actually say that?" asked another user.
However, a section of social media users also voiced support for the actor and agreed to what he said at HIT 3 success event.
"If we stop our activities that should be ongoing normally, it would be like Pak had made an impact disrupting our natural flow of things. I've seen Paks on twitter celebrating that they stopped IPL from happening. Of course no one gives two shits about Hit 3 in Pak that's why Nani's statement feels ridiculous. But I get the base sentiment he's trying to say," wrote a user.
"Why tf should people stop doing their work because of a terrorist country? what even is this argument?" read another comment.
Take a look at other reactions here:
As of now, Nani has not issued a statement in response to the criticism.
