India Today urges Bollywood to stop calling Urdu a Pakistani spy

India Today published an editorial titled “Dear Bollywood, Urdu is not a Pakistani spy!” addressing the Hindi film industry’s recent remarks about the language. The piece contends that Urdu, with its deep roots in Indian literary and cultural history, should be viewed as a native language rather than a foreign threat. It highlights the longstanding presence of Urdu poetry and dialogues in classic and contemporary Indian cinema, underscoring its contribution to the nation’s artistic heritage. The editorial urges filmmakers and audiences alike to move beyond politicised narratives and appreciate Urdu for its linguistic and cultural value. By doing so, it hopes to foster a more inclusive discourse within Bollywood and the broader public sphere.