Om Puri slammed on social media for supporting Pakistani artists

Mumbai: Veteran actor Om Puri has been slammed by a section of the film fraternity for comments they say are insulting to Indian soldiers.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and veteran actor Anupam Kher came out against Om Puri after he told a TV channel that nobody forced soldiers to join the army and people should ask whether India and Pakistan should become Israel and Palestine. WATCH: Nana Patekar’s STRONG reaction on PAK actors BAN- ‘Artistes are nothing but mere termites when compared to the nation as a whole’ During a debate on a TV channel, Om Puri said on Monday: "Did we force them to join the army? My father was also in the army... We are proud of them (soldiers)... I am asking you: Do you want India and Pakistan to become Israel and Palestine? "I don't give a damn to Salman Khan or some other Khan... Go to Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and cancel their (Pakistani actors') visas. Prepare 15-20 people as suicide bombers and send them to Pakistan." Reacting to his comment, Pandit tweeted: "Om Puriji, Pak artistes banned isn't a solution, but show of solidarity to our martyrs. We can't be lighting pyres while continuing to perform with them."

#OmPuri Ji, #PakArtistsBanned isn't a solution bt show of solidarity 2 our martyrs. V can't b lighting pyres while cont. 2 perform with them

— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) October 3, 2016

Anupam also wrote that he respects Om a lot, but said watching him on the TV show and hearing his views related to Indian soldiers was "very sad".

Dear #OmPuri ji. Mai aapki bahut izzat karta hoon. Lekin kal tv per desh ke sainik ke baare mein aapki baat sunkar bahut DUKH hua. #VerySad — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 4, 2016

CONFIRMED! Pak actor Fawad Khan won’t be the FIRST GUEST on ‘Koffee With Karan’, reveals KJO Actress Meerra Chopra wrote: "All respect lost for Om Puri! What a shame."

All respect lost for #ompuri! Wat a shame. https://t.co/Bqf6p7QAph

— Meerra chopra (@MeerraChopra) October 3, 2016

Folk singer Malini Awasthi tweeted: "What a shame Om Puri! Heard him on TV and I couldn't believe my ears. What a disgrace! Just lost all respect as an actor."

What a shame Ompuri! Heard him on tv yesterday and I couldn't believe my ears What a disgrace! just lost all respect as an actor. #OmPuri — Malini Awasthi (@maliniawasthi) October 4, 2016

Om Puri visited Pakistan in August to promote the Pakistani film "Actor in Law", in which he plays a key role. IANS