Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, who had visited Azerbaijan in 2023, has weighed in on the calls to cancel travel plans and shoots in Turkey and Azerbaijan. The two countries supported Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor.

The filmmaker says, “In the current situation, Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support to the enemies calls for an understanding of the larger picture. Right now, people should refrain from going to these countries. We are giving them the revenue to supply weapons that are used against our jawans. I’m not speaking for the film industry or anybody. I am sharing my opinion as an independent filmmaker.”

Talking about the calls for cancellation of shoots in Turkey and Azerbaijan, Madhur adds, “As an individual, I believe that art and politics shouldn’t be intertwined, but when so many people are killed, you need to draw the line. When Indian soldiers are at risk and lives are being lost, emotions run high. We must respect the sentiments of the people of India, who have faced considerable pain due to actions taken by these countries. Nothing is bigger than our country and our Armed Forces. We should put the nation’s sentiments above all else.”

When asked about his trip to Azerbaijan in 2023, he shares, “My trip to Azerbaijan was pleasant, but the recent political developments have left me with a sense of betrayal. Any country that harms my countrymen or soldiers, it pains me. It is hard not to feel a sense of betrayal. In these testing times, we should support our Armed Forces and our nation. Films and entertainment will always be there, but the safety of our soldiers and the unity of our country should come first.”