Sooraj Pancholi explains why Pakistani actors should be banned to work in India: "The same tax money is used for..."

During a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, Sooraj elaborated that as India has plenty of talent of its own, he was against Pakistani artists performing in India.

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam recently and the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, a complete ban has been imposed on Pakistani artists. This happened ahead of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's comeback in Bollywood with his latest film Abir Gulaal. Now actor Sooraj Pancholi has explained a specific reason why Pakistani actors should not be allowed to work in Indian film industry.

During a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, Sooraj elaborated that as India has plenty of talent of its own, he was against Pakistani artists performing in India. He added that even though Pakistani actors receive income from Indian projects, they still pay taxes at home, which helps to pay for ammunition and weapons.

He said, "I think we have enough actors over here. Also, if actors are coming in from there and they are getting paid by us and going back and paying taxes in their country, the same taxes are being used to make bullets. The same tax money is used for ammunition. Why are we paying for their bullets? I see it like that. When the time is right, hopefully, one day, when peace will prevail, we’ll make movies together. But when peace isn’t there, it can’t happen."

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OTT platforms, streaming services, and digital intermediaries have received a directive from the Indian government asking them to immediately stop distributing any content that comes from Pakistan. This covers podcasts, music, web series, and films.

Sooraj Pancholi is set to appear next in the upcoming historical drama Kesari Veer, slated for release on May 23, 2025. Also starring Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi, the film tells the story of Hamirji Gohil, a valiant warrior who stood up against the Tughlaq Empire to defend the Somnath Temple and safeguard the Hindu faith.