New Delhi: A video of Pakistani actresses celebrating their country’s Independence Day on August 14 has gone viral on social media, but their choice of music has sparked criticism.
The actresses were seen posing with Pakistani flags while “Ae Watan Mere Watan” from Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal’s Raazi played in the background.
The choice of song drew criticism from Pakistani influencer Drejaz Waris, who questioned its appropriateness for the occasion and warned that Indian social media users could mock the actresses over the video.
In a video shared on Instagram, Drejaz said, “Yeh jo film ka gaana hai vo anti-Pakistan thi. Toh yeh sab nahi chalta hai. Aap log ko pata hona chahiye, itni senior actresses hai aap log. Kya ho gaya hai hum logon ko yaar? Matlab mazak udhta hai. India vale bhi mazak udayenge humara. Maine reels dekhi hai India vloggers ki, they are making fun of us.”
He further stressed that actors and other public figures should be mindful of what they post online, given their large following and influence.
Drejaz also elaborated on his concerns in a note accompanying the video.
He wrote, “Is this really appropriate? Some of our actresses celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day while waving Pakistani flags to an Indian patriotic song raises a valid question of appropriateness. This isn’t about being against Bollywood or Indian music at all. But certain occasions carry national significance and deserve cultural sensitivity. Imagine the situation vice versa, it would invite the same criticism. Independence Day has its own identity, emotions and patriotic music. Surely, choosing accordingly isn’t too much to expect.”
The post has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some users agreed with Drejaz’s criticism, others argued that there was nothing wrong with using a patriotic song from another country.
One user wrote, “Watan song can be any watan song,” while another commented, “To kya hua sir..art ki koi seema nhi hoti or na hi religion or na hi desh..it’s all about feelings.”
Another user wrote, “This is love sir, their love for India.”
One person pointed out, “It is just a watan song. It does not say Hindustan.”
Another fan commented, “Indian Pakistan differences is only with military and terrorists.. rest common people from both countries are very friendly atleast in abroad… There is no difference and we are all tagged under same umbrella ‘Desi’ so it’s okay.”
Another user wrote, “Koi bat nahi bhai Indians ka dil bahut bada hai.”
One more comment read, “Songs are not from any nation; they are for everyone.”
Meanwhile, directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Vineet Jain, Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar and Apoorva Mehta, Raazi is a 2018 spy thriller released under the banners of Junglee Pictures and Dharma Productions.
Based on Harinder Sikka’s 2008 novel Calling Sehmat, the film stars Alia Bhatt alongside Vicky Kaushal, Rajit Kapur, Shishir Sharma and Jaideep Ahlawat.