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.

 

Dear @SrBachchan, wishing you a very happy birthday. Your versatility & humility has many admirers. Praying for your long & healthy life.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 11, 2016

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

Birthday wishes to Shri Amitabhji @SrBachchan who is one of the finest actors of our country. May he be blessed with good health & long life

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 11, 2016

Greetings to @SrBachchan on his birthday. May he be blessed with long life with good health.

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) October 11, 2016

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

Happy birthday @SrBachchan thank you for being such an inspiration, for setting such high standards. Love you always #thelegend

— arjun rampal (@rampalarjun) October 11, 2016

There are heroes & then there are Legends!! Happy birthday legend @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/5H0brDpz3F

— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) October 11, 2016

I celebrate today when planets conspired to get Sri Harivansh Rai n Sri Teji ji's joint venture to give rise to phenomenon of @SrBachchan

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 11, 2016

To the LEGEND...the best who is an inspiration to every generation!!!! Happy birthday Amit uncle @SrBachchan ....you are the BEST!!!!!

— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) October 10, 2016