Iftikhar Thakur urges dignity and civility in expressions of anger

Pakistani star Iftikhar Thakur has clarified his recent remarks directed at Indian aggression, emphasising that while patriotism is natural, expressions of anger must be rooted in respect and dignity.

Reiterating his stance, Thakur said his comments were a direct response to Indian hostility, particularly referencing his viral statement: “If you (India) come via air, you will be scattered in the winds; if you come from waters, you will be sunk; and if you come through land, you will be dug in. And that is what the Pakistan Air Force did to the Indian Air Force.”

Thakur maintained that his message was directed specifically at individuals such as Major Gaurav Arya and General Bakhshi, whom he described as jingoists. “There are always two types of people — those who express their anger with grace and those who don’t,” he remarked.

He exempted a few Indian Punjabi artists, including Simi Chahal, Diljit Dosanjh, and Amrinder Gill, saying he never intended to offend them. “They have always shown me respect, and I respect them in return,” he said.

Emphasising cultural and emotional ties between Indian and Pakistani Punjab, Thakur said, “I’ve never considered Indian Punjab separate from Pakistani Punjab — we are connected through the soul.”

However, he also called out Indian Punjabi figures, including politicians and actors, who responded with disrespect, particularly referring to the chief minister of Indian Punjab.

“Such behavior reflects upbringing,” he said, adding, “Patriotism is natural, but it should be expressed with grace.”

Thakur said that he has ceased cross-border artistic collaborations, noting, “I initiated those ties, and I have ended them too.”