Bollywood actor and former Indian parliamentarian Sunny Deol has shared heartfelt memories of his visit to the Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan, describing the experience as one filled with unexpected warmth and mutual respect. Speaking during a promotional interview for his latest film, Deol reflected on the rare moment of cross-border connection that left a lasting impression on him.
A Visit Rooted in Constituency Duty
Deol explained that he had never formally traveled to Pakistan, but his visit to Kartarpur came about because the revered Sikh site fell within his parliamentary constituency at the time the corridor was inaugurated. He was part of an official delegation that crossed the border to pay respects at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines.
“I went to Kartarpur when the corridor opened because it was in my constituency,” Deol said. “I was included in the delegation, and that was my first experience on Pakistani soil.”
Pakistani Soldiers Showed ‘A Lot of Love’
Recalling the reception, Deol said he was taken aback by the affection shown by Pakistani soldiers and locals alike. According to the actor, the soldiers recognized him from his films and engaged him in candid conversation.
“They showed me a lot of love,” Deol said. “The soldiers came up to me and said, ‘Please don’t do films that show Pakistan in a bad light.’ They were very respectful, but that request stayed with me.”
Deol said he responded by explaining that he was merely an actor playing characters written by filmmakers, and that his roles did not reflect his personal views about any country or its people.
Innocent Civilians Should Never Be Targets
Beyond the personal anecdotes, Deol used the interview to make a broader point about humanity and conflict. He argued that people naturally love their own countries, but that ordinary citizens should never be caught in the crossfire of political tensions.
“Everyone loves their country — that’s natural,” Deol said. “But innocent civilians should not be targeted. If someone is doing wrong, deal with those people directly. Don’t punish the common man.”
The actor’s comments come at a time when cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan remain rare, making his recollection of the Kartarpur visit a notable example of people-to-people connection.
Kartarpur Corridor: A Bridge of Faith
The Kartarpur Corridor, opened in November 2019, allows Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal district without a visa. The site holds immense significance as the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Deol’s visit was part of the inaugural delegation, and his reflections highlight the corridor’s potential to foster goodwill beyond religious pilgrimage — touching on shared cultural references, cinema, and basic human decency.
Cinema as a Common Language
Deol’s experience underscores how Bollywood remains a powerful cultural bridge in South Asia. Pakistani soldiers quoting his dialogues and requesting nuanced portrayals of Pakistan reflect the deep reach of Indian cinema across the border.
“Films travel faster than politics,” Deol noted. “People connect with characters, with emotions. That’s why I believe artists have a responsibility to show humanity, even in conflict stories.”
While Deol did not specify which of his films the soldiers referenced, his filmography includes several action dramas with cross-border themes, making the soldiers’ request a poignant moment of real-world impact meeting reel-world narratives.
A Call for Nuance in Storytelling
Deol’s Kartarpur memory also serves as a subtle call for more nuanced storytelling in Indian cinema, particularly regarding Pakistan. Without directly criticizing the industry, he acknowledged that characters can be misunderstood when entire nations are painted with a single brush.
“I told them, ‘I am playing a character. That is not me.’ And they understood,” Deol said. “That conversation taught me that audiences on both sides are smarter than we think. They know the difference between a story and reality.”
The actor’s latest film, which released on Friday across India and several international markets, continues his legacy of action-packed performances. But his Kartarpur reflections reveal a more contemplative side — one shaped by real-world encounters that transcend the screen.
