Siddhant Karnick on Pakistani artistes facing ban in India: Now all Indians need too….

While the India – Pakistan conflict has theoretically ended, we know that Operation Sindoor is far from over. The past few days have left us with a lot of questions ranging from what is the definition of a true patriot, and is Indian news sensationalism a curse at times of crisis like this. India Forums had a free-wheeling conversation with actor Siddhant Karnick who comes from an illustrious Army background to understand his sentiments on the same. His father, Mahesh Karnick was a Brigadier in the Indian Army and even his grandfather served the nation. “My father passed away during the pandemic. I would say, in times of war every citizen should just keep their eyes out on Government announcements only and not read what's app messages and social media for news ,” he said.

While there has been a ceasefire in the India – Pakistan border, the situation is still somewhat delicate. “I feel if we are in chaos, we’re letting the enemy win. The step to counter terrorism is not to have terror within us. Keep praying for those soldiers who risk their lives at the border,” he said. Siddhant Karnick urged people to have complete faith in the Indian Army and do not believe in any kind of hearsay.

In the past one week, we read a number of social media posts where users seemed to be very keen for a full-blown military war between the two nations. While that has been averted, quite a few people were shocked seeing this sentiment being so widespread on social media. “See, mostly the ones who ask for war are the ones who are not fighting in the war. Keyboard warriors who chant let’s go for war do not know what war is. They have no idea what families go through for those actively involved in war. Any soldier who is active in war does not want it. An Indian solider does not wish for death on any side. But then, how do you rationalize such an ideology? They have to do their duty,” he said.

See, mostly the ones who ask for war are the ones who are not fighting in the war. Keyboard warriors who chant let’s go for war do not know what war is. They have no idea what families go through for those actively involved in war. Any soldier who is active in war does not want it. An Indian solider does not wish for death on any side. But then, how do you rationalize such an ideology? They have to do their duty,”

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We also asked Siddhant Karnick about the huge backlash that Pakistani artistes faced after their derogatory comments on Indian Armed Forces after Operation Sindoor. “I do not want anyone to die anywhere but this is the fate of war. You cannot do anything other than support your nation like they’re supporting Pakistan. You believe your Government is doing the best for you,” he opines.

There is a huge demand to ban Pakistani artistes in India. Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir have openly called out the Indian Government as cowardly. Will Indians ever forgive and accept them back as just artistes? “Only time will tell. This is not the first time we went to war with Pakistan. We have seen that art has prevailed. Maybe 30 years from now when there is peace, art might be celebrated just for the sake of art,” he says.

Siddhant has a very thoughtful and wise take on the current situation. Elaborating further, he opines, “I do not want people to die anywhere. I don’t know what will happen in the future. This is not the first time we have fought with Pakistan. In 1971, we had the Pakistan – Bangladesh war, then we had Kargil and now this operation. Ten years after Kargil War, India loved Coke Studio. Saying that, now all Indians need to support our country to the best of our abilities. Later, maybe we can create art together.”

Only time will tell. This is not the first time we went to war with Pakistan. We have seen that art has prevailed. Maybe 30 years from now when there is peace, art might be celebrated just for the sake of art,”

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Like many, he too admits being worried about sensationalism in mainstream media, and digital platforms. “We need to exercise restraint in such times. When there is such a situation, people are vulnerable and anxious for more information. Any piece of news that causes unrest is doing more harm than good. As an Indian, just let the Government do its duty. Do not spread information so carelessly that the whole world knows what we’re upto, especially with regards to our army's movements.' he said.

Coming from a defence background, he said it is important that citizens rally behind the armed forces. He said he saw a reel where people were just recording a pilot who had fallen to the ground. “I do not know whether it was authentic or not, but there this fighter pilot who had crash landed. What is this madness of making reels that when you see an injured soldier you record videos but do not rush to help him out? Ek Taraf Hai Jai Jawan Jai Hind but there is no practical execution of the same,” he laments.

Lastly, he said he is not bothered about the Western media or international community seeing us in a bad light after this war. “Yes, social media might have captured us in a bad way but they do far worse than us. Social media has similar degeneracy in all parts of the globe. I am not worried about what Westerners are thinking about this,” he signs off.