- By Tapapriya Dutta
- Wed, 14 May 2025 10:49 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Punit Tiwari, the actor who got immense popularity with his roles in Sandeep Bhaiya, Trial by Fire and Ground Zero, recently opened up about the current political scenario in the country. Amid the ongoing escalating cross-border tension between India and Pakistan, Ground Zero actor, who played the role of Tariq Malik in the film, shared his views about the Pahalgam attack and India banning Pakistani artists in the country. In an exclusive interview with Jagran English, Tiwari recalled the beautiful times when he was shooting in Pahalgam for Ground Zero around 2022. Punit shared that after hearing the news of the attack, he was stunned by the incident. While condemning the attack, the actor also mentioned the ‘cowardly act’ by the terrorists. He also believes that nobody wants a war at this time.
Punit Tiwari said, “We were shooting for Ground Zero in Pahalgam around 2022. When I went there, I felt a sense of belonging and really liked the beauty of the surroundings, the behaviour of the hotel staff and everything. The film was supposed to be released on April 25 and the attack happened on April 22. I was taken aback by the incident. Until that day, I had beautiful memories of that place and now this attack. I just condemn this attack. It was a cowardly act by the terrorists.”
He added, “If the terrorist organisation is doing this, it means the people of India should stay united. It should be condemned in every possible way. What I believe is that nobody wants a war. But when it comes to the matter of safety, we should stay strong with the country and the army that are protecting us.”
Punit Tiwari also reacted to the recent bans on Pakistani artists performing and working in India by the Indian government. He supported the government’s decision and stated that when Pakistan stops playing the victim card, the situation will start changing, and then films can be made with Pakistani actors.
While commenting on India banning Pakistani artists, Tiwari said, “There are situations on both sides. It is okay if the government bans the artists. The government is doing the right thing. I was reading an international report which says Pakistan claimed that they are victim of terrorism. They are trying to play victim. When they stop playing the victim card and assure that they are ready to remove terrorism, films can be made then with Pakistani actors. I believe that India has been betrayed many times. But when the situation starts improving, then films will be made together and cricket will be played. The situation is not right, then why? If the government is banning (the artists), then they are doing the right thing.”
Punit Tiwari was last seen in Ground Zero, which hit the screens on April 25. The film also stars Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain, Lalit Prabhakar and Mukesh Tiwari in key roles. It has been directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. As reported by Sacnilk, the film has collected Rs 8.27 crore worldwide in 15 days since its release.
