Veteran actor Om Puri has been slammed by a section of the film fraternity for comments that the latter claim, is insulting to Indian soldiers.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and veteran actor Anupam Kher came out against Om Puri after he told a TV channel that nobody forced soldiers to join the army and people should ask whether India and Pakistan should become Israel and Palestine.
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?
"I don't give a damn about 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."
Reacting to his comment, Pandit tweeted: "Om Puriji, Pak artistes banned isn't a solution, but show of solidarity to our martyrs. We can't be lighting pyres while continuing to perform with them."
Anupam also wrote that he respects Om a lot, but said watching him on the TV show and hearing his views related to Indian soldiers was "very sad".
Actress Meerra Chopra wrote: "All respect lost for Om Puri! What a shame."
Folk singer Malini Awasthi tweeted: "What a shame Om Puri! Heard him on TV and I couldn't believe my ears. What a disgrace! Just lost all respect as an actor."
Om Puri visited Pakistan in August to promote the Pakistani film "Actor in Law", in which he plays a key role.