It's time to express solidarity with our soldiers: Amitabh

On his birthday, the actor says we must back our soldiers at a time when terror attacks have incensed the country

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, who turned 74 on Tuesday, said it was time for people to express solidarity with the Indian soldiers, especially when they were coming under terror attacks that had "incensed" the country.

Bachchan said this during a press conference in Mumbai on the occasion of his birthday when asked if Bollywood was divided over supporting Pakistani artists working in India, amid the demand for their ban after the Uri terror attack. Bachchan also said he respected all artists.

"With folded hands, I request you that this is not the time and I don't think it is right to put forward these questions," said Bachchan, who was dubbed India's first "angry young man" for his on-screen roles in Bollywood.

He felt that, considering the grave situation at the border, one should express solidarity with Indian soldiers.

"Who said what and why, where and how, this is not the time for it. The nation is incensed, the people of this country are very angry with the incidents that are happening at our border."

"I think it is time to express solidarity with our jawans from the armed forces sacrificing their life so that you and I can be safe now. That's what needs to be put in question and nothing else."

Following the Uri attack, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena had raised objections to Pakistani artists working in India. Asked if an artist from one country should be banned or not, Bachchan said: "I have answered this question earlier. I respect all artists."

Birthday wishes for Bachchan poured in from far and wide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to Bachchan, saying his versatility and humility had many admirers.

Union ministers like Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu, and Bachchan's admirers from the film industry and the sports world also took to Twitter to extend their wishes



Actors and other film personalities also extended their wishes to the legendary actor: