Didn't ask PM to apologies but questioned fairness in judgement of situation: Anurag Kahyap

NEW DELHI: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who got trolled by many on social media for ading into the row over ban on the release of films with Pakistani artistes due to tension between the two countries, now says that he didn't ask for PM Modi's apology but merely questioned the fairness in judgement of a situation. In a Facebook post Kashyap said, "It's unfortunate that I have to explain my intention behind my tweet, because others and my industry colleagues have to suffer for me having an opinion." "I am tired of the film industry being soft targets. We are damned if we do, damned if we don’t! When we don’t involve ourselves, they ask “why is Bollywood quiet now?” When we involve ourselves, we become the scapegoats to distract you from the real news. Either way they use us to sensationalise news. Still, I’d rather put my opinions out there on my own platform, then give the media a bite," he said. "No, Anurag Kashyap did not “ask the PM to apologise”( which most of the headlines would want you to believe, no one has their mind anyways), I merely questioned the fairness in judgement of a situation: the PM visited Pakistan for talks at the same time that a filmmaker was working with a Pakistani actor. Neither was aware of future events or mood. Yet only one pays the price," he added. "I’m also well aware that the government did not cry “BAN" or demand that Pakistani artists be sent back. Just as I’m aware that the PM himself doesn’t censor my films. But we elected them and so it is their responsibility to protect us from bullies - media or political parties. And when the governing party's designated members don't respond in hours of crisis because they are second guessing the mood of the PM then I would rather talk straight to the PM himself. There was also sarcasm in the tweet that followed; ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ was for those mindless trollers who constantly ask for proof of your patriotism. Apparently thats all it takes. It was a jibe at them. Patriotic slogans don’t absolve you from it all. I hope this explains," he wrote The director had earlier contended that the real trade between the two countries across the border has "not faced any kind of opposition, but we must pay the price for it". Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI)'s decision has put a question mark on the release of Karan Johar's "Ae Dil Hain Mushkil", featuring Fawad Khan, by announcing no films with Pakistani actors will be screened in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Karnataka in the aftermath of Uri attack.