Life & Style

Om Puri accused of insulting Indian Army, complaint filed

He later apologised saying he's ready to be jailed for his comments

Entertainment Desk/ians October 05, 2016

he later apologised saying he 039 s ready to be jailed for his comments photo file

He later apologised saying he's ready to be jailed for his comments. PHOTO: FILE

A police complaint has been filed against veteran actor Om Puri for his comments that were found to be insulting to Indian soldiers by a section of the film industry.

Complainant Prithvi Maske said, "Referring to the Indian Army and soldiers, he (Om Puri) said that we had not given the invitation to the soldiers of the Indian Army. They joined the army at their will."

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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?

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"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."

Here's what he said:

Celebrities including filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and veteran actor Anupam Kher came out against Om Puri after his comments on the channel.

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

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He later apologised for his insulting remarks saying, "I am very embarrassed. I first apologise to Nitin (a Uri attack martyr) family. I salute him for sacrificing his life for our safety. We have been making such sacrifices in the past too."

"I just wanted to tell my friends that it's time to celebrate because we taught a lesson to our enemy," he added.

"I urge the entire nation to give me any punishment for that. But if they don't want to end this debate and forgive me, then I am willing to be jailed for six months," he further said.

The film industry has been divided on the issue of banning Pakistani artistes in the wake of the September 18 Uri attack that left 19 Indian soldiers dead.

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COMMENTS (9)

Disgusting | 7 years ago | Reply @Ali: you are either illiterate or mentally deranged. Ask those like Burhan Wani who laid their lives for freedom from a tyrinical regime that has illegally occupied their land.

mushtaq | 7 years ago | Reply but what he said,did we force them to join the army, statement to me is brilliant,revolutionary,and makes sense,and truth about all armies.