There’s been some talk about why I have remained silent for the past two weeks. Today I would like to clarify that the reason why I’ve remained silent is because of the deep sense of hurt and the deep sense of pain that I have felt that a few people would actually believe that I’m being anti-national. I need to say this and I say this with strength that for me, my country comes first, nothing else matters to me but my country. I have always felt that the best way to express your patriotism is to spread love and that’s all I have ever tried to do through my work and my cinema. When I shot my film, ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ in September to December last year, the climate was completely different, the circumstances were completely different. There were efforts made by our government for peaceful relationships with the neighbouring country and I respected those endeavours then, those efforts then.
And I respect the sentiment today! I understand the sentiment because I feel the same!!
Going forward, I would like to say that of course I will not engage with talent from the neighbouring country given the circumstance but with that same energy I beseech you to know one thing, that over 300 Indian people in my crew have put their blood, sweat and tears into my film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ and I don’t think it is fair to them to face any kind of turbulence on account of other fellow Indians. I respect the Indian army, I salute the Indian army for everything they do to protect us in our environment. I respect them with all my heart, and I say that I condemn any form of terrorism, any form, and specially the terrorism that would affect my people in my country and me. I just hope all of you understand exactly the circumstance and situation that we are in and respect the fact that we love and respect our country over and above anything else.”
Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, India, said, “We unequivocally condemn the terror attacks on India and support the government of India in all its effort to bring safety and peace for Indians. Karan Johar is a proud, emotional and patriotic Indian like all of us and his nationalism cannot be questioned. Fox Star Studios, India, whole-heartedly stands by him at this time and we are gearing up for the Diwali release of ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ on October 28. The film has been made by an Indian director, the actors of this film Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are all Indians, the crew who have worked tirelessly on this film to see their labour of love in theatres with their families are all Indians. We have met the police commissioner today and have been assured that the police will provide protection to all theatres including single-screens and multiplexes, should there be any requirement. We are thankful to the Government and Police for their support and thereby ensuring that audiences can have a Happy Diwali.”
Produced by Fox Star Studios and Dharma Productions, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is set to release on October 28.
