Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once again expressed his openness to collaborating with Pakistani actors, provided the Indian government grants the necessary permissions. During a recent press conference for his film Sikandar, Salman addressed the long-standing restrictions on cross-border artistic collaborations, which have been in place since the 2016 Uri attack.
“Take the permission from here, and I am ready to work with them,” Salman stated, emphasizing the need for official clearance. He added, with a touch of humor, “Or get them a visa and take permission from the government here. Or else I’ll play cricket.”
This is not the first time Salman has voiced his support for Pakistani artists. Back in 2016, he defended their presence in Indian cinema, stating, “They are artists, not terrorists.” The actor’s recent remarks have reignited discussions about the potential for Indo-Pak collaborations in Bollywood, with fans taking to social media to share their reactions. Many praised Salman’s inclusive stance, while others debated the feasibility of such partnerships given the current political climate.
The ban on Pakistani artists working in India was lifted in 2023, but collaborations remain rare due to lingering tensions. Salman’s statement has sparked hope among fans for a new era of artistic exchange between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Salman is gearing up for the release of Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss, which hit theaters on March 30, 2025. The film, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, has already generated significant buzz. Whether Salman’s remarks will pave the way for future collaborations remains to be seen, but they have certainly added to the ongoing conversation about art transcending borders.