AMMU: Known for his versatility in movies as well as his social work, Bollywood actor Nana Patekar on Wednesday morning had a word of advice for the youth of Kashmir Valley.

HT PHOTOBollywood actor Nana Patekar consoles family members of martyr Gurnam Singh during a visit to BSF’s Paloura camp in Jammu on Wednesday.

“Pursue your dreams via academics, learn something and be part of the national mainstream because throwing stones won’t lead you anywhere. It (stone-pelting) is not going to do anything constructive in your life,” he said.

Following deaths and injuries to the BSF men in recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the border, Patekar came on a brief visit to meet Border Security Force troopers and their families.

“How can I boost their (BSF men) morale? In fact, it is they who boost my morale. Go and see them on the border — young boys in their early twenties are guarding the border 24×7. They don’t need me but we need them. Despite being asked to avail their leave, these young boys are not ready to leave the borders,” said Patekar to another poser.

“No Eid, no Diwali, no Holi but still they are very happy and the credit goes to their leader, inspector general DK Upadhyaya, who loves them like his sons. I am returning with a high morale,” he added.

BAN ON PAK ARTISTS He also talked about a lobby in Bollywood, which had recently vouched for Pakistani artists working in Bollywood. “I feel the government should have taken a decision. When our soldiers are dying on the borders, the ‘artist is an artist’ logic doesn’t work. I think when relations turn hostile between two countries, artists from outside should go back to their country and when situation turns normal, they can come again,” he said.