‘PR Stunt’, ‘weeding out anti-nationals’: Bollywood war of words erupts between Sanam Teri Kasam co-stars

As calm returns to the border states after days of heightened military action, the tension appears to have shifted to the world of cinema, specifically to the sequel of the 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam. The film, which found renewed popularity after its re-release earlier this year, is now at the centre of a controversy involving its lead actors, Harshvardhan Rane and Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane.

The spark ignited in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike on terrorist camps following the Pahalgam attack. In a controversial social media post, Mawra Hocane wrote, "Strongly condemn India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan… Innocent civilians have lost their lives. May Allah protect us all… may sense prevail. Ya Allah ho Ya Hafizo."

She concluded her statement with the hashtag #PakistanZindabad.

This drew sharp reactions in India, including from her former co-star Harshvardhan Rane, who publicly distanced himself from the sequel project.

“While I am grateful for the experience, after reading the direct comments made about my country, I have made a decision to respectfully decline to be a part of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if there is any possibility of the previous cast being repeated,” Rane wrote.

Hocane, in turn, dismissed Rane’s decision as a publicity stunt.

“PR strategy. Someone I expected to have basic common sense has risen from deep slumber with a PR strategy. While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with? A PR statement to get attention? What a pity!”

Rane responded pointedly on Instagram, defending his stance. “That sounded like an attempt at a personal attack. Fortunately, I have the tolerance to overlook such attempts—but have zero tolerance for any attack on my nation's dignity."

“An Indian farmer would pluck out the unwanted weed from his crop—it’s called weeding. The farmer doesn’t need a PR team for this act; it’s called common sense,” he added, doubling down on his decision.

He further stressed, "I simply offered to step down from Part 2. I am fully within my rights to choose not to work with individuals who label my country’s actions as ‘cowardly.’ So much hate in her speech, so many personal remarks. I never mentioned her name or resorted to calling her names. Didn’t attack her dignity as a woman. I intend to maintain that standard."

In the wake of growing public calls to ban Pakistani artists from Indian films, the makers of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 have now confirmed that Mawra Hocane has been dropped from the film.

In an official statement, the production team said, “Terrorism of any kind, against any nation, state, or people must be condemned unequivocally. What’s even more disheartening in this case is the silence — or worse, the statements — of certain actors who have worked in India, received immense love, respect, and opportunity, yet failed to condemn such acts of terror against India.”

“In fact, some have gone so far as to criticise India’s legitimate steps to fight terrorism. In light of this, we stand by our government and fully support its decision. Nation first and always. Jai Hind.”