The SIFCC (South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce) recently issued a warning that it would boycott all Bollywood stars who attend the IIFA awards in Colombo. The Southern Industry feels that Sri Lanka is trying to show that peace has been restored fully in their country. Also the Southern Industry is offended by the killing of many Tamil civilians in the conflict between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan army.

 

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, however, feels differently. He says that what has happened in the past is saddening but if IIFA is trying to spread the message of peace then people should support it. He said, “To heal wounds it is important to keep them open. What happened that time, everyone is sad about that. But if an effort is being made to spread peace and happiness through something, then that should be supported. I hope people recognise and not create any controversies.”

 

The actor yesterday, was honoured with the Presidential Award by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

 

Actor Anupam Kher himself has suffered at the hands of terrorism. The actor was born in Kashmir and had to flee from his hometown in 1990 when militancy was at its peak.