Should the Film Industry Join Ashok Pandit's Call to Boycott Turkey Over Terrorism Support?

Mumbai, May 14 (NationPress) Filmmaker Ashok Pandit, who serves as the President of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association, has called upon the Indian film community to impose a boycott on Turkey, alleging that the nation is endorsing terrorism backed by Pakistan.

This appeal follows the issuance of statements from Turkey and Azerbaijan, both expressing their support for Pakistan while criticizing India’s airstrikes that targeted terror camps. In a conversation with IANS, Ashok expressed, “It is truly disheartening to observe countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan siding with Pakistan. India has consistently supported Turkey, particularly during challenging times. During the COVID crisis, we extended our assistance through medicines, injections, and vaccines. Our nation has always been there for Turkey, making their alliance with Pakistan both surprising and lamentable. A boycott against Pakistan is gaining momentum nationwide, and I firmly believe it is vital to dismantle their economic base to send a powerful message. Pakistan is recognized globally as a failed state. By backing Pakistan, nations are inadvertently endorsing terrorism and violence.”

He acknowledged the longstanding cultural and professional connections the Indian film industry has had with Turkey, noting that numerous Indian stars, filmmakers, and producers have visited Turkey for film productions and have lauded the country in the past. Nonetheless, Ashok emphasized the need to pivot from collaboration to confrontation, stating, “We have made a collective appeal to our industry colleagues for a boycott of Turkey. We aim to demonstrate, as a united industry and nation, that we do not take such support for Pakistan lightly.”

“Every filmmaker in our country is a nationalist at heart. Disagreements may arise, but there is no producer, director, or actor who does not cherish this nation. Regardless of whether it’s a commercial film, an independent project, or an artistic endeavor—when it comes to our homeland, there are no compromises. Our entertainment sector has always rallied behind the nation. Numerous films have celebrated our armed forces. Many filmmakers have produced impactful war films that honor the valor of our soldiers,” Pandit remarked.

On May 8, Turkey and Azerbaijan released formal statements endorsing Pakistan. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry referred to the Operation Sindoor as a “provocative act,” while Azerbaijan offered condolences to families reportedly affected by the strikes. These statements ignited significant backlash on Indian social media, with many users and celebrities, including Rupali Ganguly, expressing their outrage and amplifying calls for a boycott of Turkey.