Mumbai: As tensions between India and Pakistan flared on the evening of 8 May 2025, several missiles and drones were launched from across the border targeting northern Indian states.

The Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralised over 50 aerial threats and engaged in coordinated retaliation. Amid the rising public concern and intense media coverage, Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha took to Instagram to express solidarity with the armed forces while voicing concern over the media’s handling of the situation.

In a series of Instagram stories, Sonakshi offered prayers for peace and protection. She wrote: “Praying for our armed forces… Praying for India… Praying for every anxious Indian right now… Praying for the innocent who have fallen and will still fall… Praying for peace in this time of war. Jai Hind.”

She followed it with a strong critique of how the Indian media was covering the unfolding situation. “Our news channels are a joke! I’m so done with these over-dramatised visuals and sound effects, the screaming and shouting! What are y’all doing? Just do your job, report facts as they are. Stop sensationalising WAR and creating panic in people who are anyway anxious, for god’s sake,” she posted.

Sonakshi’s post also highlighted the importance of relying on verified sources for updates during a national security crisis. She urged citizens to “just find a reliable news source and stick to that… stop watching this garbage in the name of news.”

Her comments came shortly after the Ministry of Defence issued a public advisory requesting citizens and media organisations to refrain from sharing sensitive real-time operational footage on social media, warning that such leaks could compromise strategic positions and aid hostile forces.

Sonakshi reshared this advisory and amplified the government’s message, indirectly calling out news channels and social media users who had posted videos of air raid sirens, interceptions, and troop movements.

Her stance was echoed by filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who also posted online urging the public not to record or disseminate any visuals of military responses, stating, “You might be helping the enemy.”

In the wake of the cross-border attack and India's countermeasures under Operation Sindoor, several public figures joined in expressing support for the armed forces. Among them were Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rashmika Mandanna, Kangana Ranaut, Akhil Akkineni, Namrata Shirodkar, Karan Johar, and others. While most kept their messages focused on patriotism and solidarity, Sonakshi and Rajamouli stood out for critiquing the way information was being handled in the public domain.

Sonakshi’s remarks reflect a broader concern about media responsibility during wartime. As panic spread online with unverified claims and dramatic live footage, many viewers and celebrities raised questions about journalistic ethics and the line between public information and national security compromise.

The government has since heightened restrictions around sensitive content sharing and reiterated that any leaked or unverified information related to military operations could be prosecuted under national security laws.