Amid escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border following Operation Sindoor, filmmaker Nidhi Dutta, daughter of veteran director J.P. Dutta, has publicly voiced her disappointment with certain elements of the film industry. Taking to social media, she apologized to Indian soldiers and their families for what she described as "insensitive" behavior by some industry figures during a time of national crisis. Her message, deeply personal and patriotic, emphasized unity with the armed forces and paid homage to the sacrifices being made at the nation’s borders.
In her emotional note, Nidhi wrote, “There are mothers listening to the news anxiously to hear about their sons... There are children going to sleep with fear for their fathers' lives... There are civilians going to bed with blackout and sirens…” She criticized the entertainment industry's decision to announce films related to the ongoing conflict, calling it tone-deaf and disrespectful during such sensitive times. “To our jawans... I apologise as a third-generation industry kid. We stand with you till we see this through,” she added.
Coming from a family celebrated for its contributions to patriotic cinema — notably the 1997 war epic Border, directed by her father — Nidhi’s words carry added weight. Her statement not only reflects a generational commitment to honoring the armed forces but also highlights a moral divide within Bollywood. While some creators seek to profit from national sentiment, others like Nidhi advocate for empathy, restraint, and genuine support for those on the front lines.
Her use of the hashtag #NationFirst and references to upcoming patriotic projects like Border 2 signals a broader call for the film industry to align more responsibly with the nation’s current mood. In a time when military families are living with fear and uncertainty, Nidhi Dutta’s message reminds the public and the media alike that true patriotism often means knowing when to pause, listen, and stand in respectful silence.