Waseem Badami, who was a frontline journalist during the recent India-Pakistan tensions, offered a complex take on celebrity patriotism. He appeared on podcast to discuss the Pakistani celebrities who kept quiet during wartime.
The anchor, who famously announced Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos live, shared moving examples of solidarity. He praised Fahad Mustafa’s constant updates and Humayun Saeed’s support despite his brother’s surgery.
Badami also commended famous actors like Behroze Sabzwari for using their platforms to defend Pakistan vocally. Yet, he maintained a balanced view toward those who chose to stay silent.
While stressing that no one’s patriotism should be judged, Badami argued that neutrality becomes difficult when “Your country is at war.” He urged celebrities to remember that their success and recognition in India stemmed from Pakistan.
He drew a line between being apolitical on social issues and staying silent during times of national crises. In such moments, he said, public figures have a moral responsibility to stand visibly with their nation.
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Badami acknowledged that forced patriotism is unhelpful. But in genuine crises, he believes silence can appear as detachment from national identity and collective struggle. His commentary reflects evolving public expectations from cultural icons.
Increasingly, neutrality in wartime is seen as incompatible with fame rooted in national support. Badami’s firm yet empathetic stance offers a middle ground. It bridges Faiza Hasan’s defense of artistic silence and the public’s demand for outspoken nationalism, urging stars to rise above silence in moments that matter most.