Sarbjit not about Pakistan bashing: Randeep Hooda

Sarabjit Singh died in a Pakistan jail after a fellow inmate assaulted him, but Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda, who plays Sarabjit in his next, Sarbjit, claims the film does not show Pakistan in a bad light.

“I don’t think there is any Pakistan bashing per say in the film. But yes, there are a lot of prisoners over there and some are subjected to atrocities. I am not sure if that happens here as well...If you treat somebody for such things just because of their nationality and not their crime, then, if it happens in India or Pakistan, it is always wrong,” the actor said.

Read: Aishwarya, Randeep make us visit a painful life with Sarbjit trailer

Randeep added that the film merely chronicles the life of a common man, who was stuck between the political climate of India and Pakistan. “The film is based in a Pakistan prison. But there is nothing that we are bashing a country like Pakistan. It’s just a situation where a normal person is stuck between the political ups and downs between the two countries.”

The actor was speaking at a special prayer meet organised to commemorate the third death anniversary of Sarbajit who died on May 2, 2013. The film’s entire cast, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Richa Chaddha, Darshan Kumar and producer Jacky Bhagnani were also present along with Sarbajit’s sister Dalbir Kaur, his wife and a daughter.

Watch: Randeep, Aishwarya, Richa in a haunting new song from Sarbjit

Dalbir, complimented Aishwarya Rai and said she was proud of her. “Aishwarya is like my younger sister. I saw a lot of me in her. It must’ve been difficult for her to adapt to Punjabi culture, language. It must’ve have been emotional for her too. I feel extremely proud of her and Randeep,” Dalbir said.

Watch Sarbjit trailer

The Jazbaa star, who was visibly emotional along with the entire cast and crew after Dalbir’s speech, said she was honoured to play the part. “It is their (family’s) story, their film, they have a birth right to be privy and yet they extended liberty, faith and grace, which is truly commendable. You story does need to reach far and wide,” Aishwarya said.

Read | We had tears in our eyes: Dalbir Kaur on Sarbjit trailer

Sarbjit is scheduled to release on May 20.

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