Celina Jaitly has joined the growing list of Bollywood personalities speaking out against Pakistani artistes, especially in light of the recent Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. As tensions between the two nations escalated, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) once again called for a complete ban on Pakistani artistes, particularly after several from across the border publicly condemned India’s counterattack.
In response to the controversy surrounding these statements, Celina Jaitly didn’t hold back. Speaking in a recent interview, she emphasized the need to put the nation above all else. “India must come first. Our national interest must always be our top priority. Pakistani artists are quick to benefit from our thriving entertainment industry but remain silent about the terrorism their government supports. They’ve the platforms to demand change and condemn violence, yet they choose silence. Until there is real accountability and sincere efforts to dismantle terror networks, we must stand firm and draw clear boundaries,” she said.
Following the skirmishes along the Line of Control, the Indian government directed major OTT platforms to remove all Pakistani-originated content. Celina welcomed this move and responded with another powerful statement, linking her personal history to her patriotic views. “When those with the power to influence millions choose silence, that silence becomes deafening. Patriotism isn’t about grandstanding; it’s about standing tall for your country when it needs you most. History will always remember who stood up and who turned away. But as the daughter and granddaughter of decorated war veterans and the sister of a Special Forces officer, I can say this with conviction that patriotism runs through my very DNA,” she said.
Amid growing demands for cultural disengagement, the AICWA also urged Indian producers, directors, and artists—across both Bollywood and regional cinema—to prioritize national loyalty over cross-border artistic collaborations, especially after Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan spoke against India. Celina’s remarks add significant weight to the ongoing conversation about where the line should be drawn between art and national duty.
