In a bold move reflecting growing national sentiment, singer Rahul Vaidya has made headlines by turning down a lucrative offer to perform in Turkey. The offer, which promised him ₹50 lakh for a single wedding event scheduled on July 5 in Antalya, was declined by the singer for reasons that go beyond professional gain. He firmly stated, “No work, no money, and no fame can surpass the interest of the country.”
He explained that his stand was not personal but driven by a sense of duty to the nation. He expressed that working in a country openly backing Pakistan during a period of tension between India and Pakistan would betray everything he stands for.
Rahul emphasized that he has no desire to step foot in a country he perceives as disrespectful to India. In his words, “Whatever I am today is because of my country and my fellow countrymen.” He added that any individual or place that stands against India would find no space in his world. The singer also highlighted how ironic it is for Indians to pour crores into Turkish businesses through weddings and events, only to face indifference from the other side. He concluded with a powerful remark, “Anyone who is against my country is against me. It’s as simple as that.”
Rahul isn’t alone in his decision. Actor Kushal Tandon too has made his stand clear. Last week, he shared how his mother and her group of friends cancelled their upcoming holiday to Turkey. The trip had been meticulously planned to celebrate a birthday and was fully booked. Despite being aware that no refunds would be given, they still chose to drop Turkey from their itinerary after learning about the nation’s support for Pakistan.
Kushal revealed he personally advised his mother to cancel the plans and opt for a different destination. He expressed that while he had fond memories from a past visit to Istanbul, the current situation left him with no intention of ever going back. According to him, the decision wasn’t complicated. “My country always comes first,” he declared.
Meanwhile, actor Siddhant Issar, who recently tied the knot with Surbhi Shukla, made a similar choice. The couple had carefully scheduled their honeymoon between their wedding and reception. Initially, they had decided on a trip to Kashmir, followed by a visit to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Siddhant shared how both he and Surbhi had previously enjoyed Turkish dramas and looked forward to exploring the country together. However, the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and Turkey’s position altered everything.
The couple immediately cancelled their travel plans. Siddhant confessed that their affection for Turkish shows also faded in light of recent developments. He explained that it no longer felt right to continue watching content from a place that sided against their nation. He expressed optimism about visiting Kashmir once peace returns to the region, calling it one of the most beautiful parts of India and a destination he hopes to visit soon.
These individual decisions reflect a growing sentiment among Indian celebrities and citizens alike. National pride and solidarity have taken precedence over personal plans, luxuries, and entertainment. With each such gesture, a clear message is being sent that loyalty to one’s country comes before everything else.
