Urwa urges Pakistani celebrities to pick a side

In a video shared to Instagram on Saturday, Urwa Hocane opened up about her uncompromising views on neutrality, following India's blocking of Pakistani artists in response to the Pahalgam attack. Urwa began the video by admitting that she debated whether or not she should do this. "But then I thought it's very 1980s and 1990s that actors do not have an opinion in politics," she said. "And it's not just about politics, it's about self-respect."

Questioning Pakistani celebrities' peaceful stance on the situation, the Udaari actor explained that if one was accused of murder simply for witnessing it, their first instinct would be to defend themselves, not call for peace. "It's not that you have no remorse or that you're not mourning the loss. But your 'humanity' and your instinct of 'being human' would be to say that you didn't do it and to tell people to dare not accuse you of something you didn't do."

Urwa took the opportunity to criticise those of her peers who centre different priorities. "Can't the people around us understand this basic thing? I don't want to call out names, but self-respect comes first. Fine, I'm all for doing international projects. It's a really good thing; in a way, you're making a name for your country out there. But where there is a test, you must take a side. You cannot say, 'Oh, let's deal with this with kindness and peace.'"

She added that this isn't a denouncement of amity, but she also believes that one wouldn't stand idly by if they're being kicked out of someone's house for no reason. "There is no greater loss than that of your dignity. No advantage can weigh up to that."

She added, "Whatever you are today is thanks to your own country, your own people. They're the reason you have a big name. But when you are given the opportunity to return that love and respect, you go down the neutral route. You have nothing to say. It fills me with deep regret."

The Badzaat actor advocated for individuality and self-respect above all. "What is it that we don't have that we want from somewhere else? Even if we're collaborating with someone, we're adding value to their projects. So have faith in yourself. And yes, be grateful and respectful, but if someone is crossing your boundaries, remind them of their place."

Urwa cited that with great power comes great responsibility, which applies when an actor is representing Pakistan on an international level. She concluded, "This country has made us who we are and we make this country. How can we not stand for it?"