Ashok Pandit, film maker and president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, has urged the Indian film industry to boycott Turkey, accusing the country of endorsing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
The statement is in response to Turkey and Azerbaijan declaring support for Pakistan and criticising India's airstrikes targeting terror camps. Pandit noted that "India has always stood by Turkey, specially during difficult times. During the COVID crisis, India provided supplied medicines, injections, and vaccines. India has consistently supported Turkey, so their alliance with Pakistan is both surprising and unfortunate. A boycott of Pakistan is being widely supported across the country, and I believe it's crucial to break their economic backbone to send a strong message. Pakistan is a failed state, a fact the entire world acknowledges. By supporting Pakistan, nations are indirectly endorsing terrorism and violence."
The filmmaker also admitted that the Indian film industry has had close cultural and professional ties with Turkey. Many Indian stars, filmmakers, and producers have traveled there for film shoots and have publicly appreciated the country. Despite this, Pandit said there's now a need to boycott Turkey-this is a shift from collaboration to confrontation. "We have appealed to our colleagues in the industry to boycott Turkey. We want to show them, as a united industry and as a nation, that we do not take anyone's support for Pakistan lightly."
"Every filmmaker in our country is a nationalist. There might be differences in opinion, but there is no producer, director, or actor who does not love this country. Whether it's a commercial film, an independent project, or an artistic venture-when it comes to the nation, no one compromises. Our entertainment industry has always stood by the country. Numerous nationalistic films have paid tribute to our armed forces. Many filmmakers have created powerful war films that celebrate the bravery of our soldiers," Pandit added."
On May 8, Turkey and Azerbaijan released official statements voicing support for Pakistan. Turkey's Foreign Ministry labeled the Operation Sindoor a "provocative act," while Azerbaijan expressed condolences to the families allegedly impacted by the strikes. These remarks sparked a wave of backlash on Indian social media, with many users and celebrities like Rupali Ganguly expressing outrage and amplifying calls for a boycott of Turkey.
