Bollywood actor and singer Ayushmann Khurrana faced criticism on social media after a video of him singing the Pakistani song “Dil Dil Pakistan” at a concert resurfaced. The song, originally by Pakistani Band Vital Signs, is popular and considered an “unofficial national anthem” in Pakistan. The video circulated shortly after Ayushmann attended the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in India. Some Indian social media users called for a boycott of the actor, accusing him of being “two-faced” and engaging in a “publicity stunt.” Others criticized his vocal performance, while Pakistani fans defended the artistry of “Dil Dil Pakistan.”
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The controversy emerged as the viral clip, from a 2017 concert in Dubai, was taken out of context. The longer footage shows Ayushmann appreciating fans from various states, and he specifically mentioned the performance for Pakistani friends before singing “Dil Dil Pakistan” followed by “Chak De India.” Ayushmann’s PR team confirmed the context of the video, emphasizing that it was part of an effort to encourage cordial relations between Pakistan and India. The timing of the video’s circulation, shortly after Ayushmann attended the Ram Mandir event, contributed to the backlash.
The Ram Mandir consecration ceremony took place on January 22, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ayushmann was among several prominent figures from the entertainment, political, and business sectors invited to the event. Other attendees included Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ram Charan, Dipika Chikhalia, Arun Govil, Kangana Ranaut, and more. The controversy sparked a debate on social media about the intersection of art, politics, and public perception.
