03 August,2026 05:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sunny Deol. Photo by PTI
As Batwara 1947 gears up for release, Sunny Deol has landed in controversy over his remarks on Pakistan. During the film's promotions in Patna, the actor referred to Pakistan as India's "mousi" (aunt). His statement sparked a strong backlash on social media, with many users criticising his comments.
During promotions in Patna, a reporter asked Sunny how he sees Pakistan as a nation and how he would describe the environment there. "Earlier, both countries were the same. As my father used to say, India is the mother, and Pakistan emerged from India, so it became the mousi (aunt). We are all connected to each other."
Sunny's statement drew flak from netizens. One wrote, "Entire Bollywood is like that. No exceptions. Have you seen recent interviews of Paresh Rawal?"
One predicted that Batwara 1947 will tank at the box office. "Late Dharmendra in Ikkis says 'Kaun Dushman' when asked about Pakistan. Flop Bobby is a spy gone rogue in Alpha. Flop Sunny says Pakistan is his aunty for his film Lahore 1947. Read the pattern," wrote a user.
Another wrote, "Hate these kinds of actors who are living far away from reality! Is he not aware of the political situation between India and Pakistan? Have we ever seen Pakistani actors talking positively about India? He's fooling the masses, that's all." Another commented, "He can avoid it but hugged controversy."
A user took a dig at his family and commented, "And this guy is in BJP. His father was in BJP. His stepmother is in BJP. You gotta give it to the Congress supporters and other political parties and their supporters. At least they don't make such foolish and stupid statements."
Batwara 1947 is set against the backdrop of India's Partition and follows a family's struggle as they navigate violence, displacement, and heartbreak during one of the country's most turbulent chapters. The film features Sunny Deol in the lead alongside an ensemble cast that includes Shabana Azmi, Preity G. Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh.
Ahead of the release of Batwara 1947, Sunny Deol and Karan Deol visited Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib in Bihar to seek blessings. The father-son duo offered prayers at the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji before continuing promotions.
