Sanam Teri Kasam directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru have come down heavily on Pakistani actors for their ‘silence or worse, statements’ on terrorism, especially after India’s recent military strike on the Pahalgam terror attack. The filmmakers, who had employed Mawra Hocane in their 2016 romance film, backed a total ban on Pakistani talent in the Indian film industry.
During the heightening tensions between India and Pakistan, Radhika and Vinay also released a statement wholeheartedly supporting the Indian government for deciding to deny entry to Pakistani artists. Describing the actors who have previously performed in India, they asserted,
“Innocent Indian lives are still being lost to years of cross-border terrorism. And more disappointing than this is the silence or worse, the words of Pakistani actors who have previously worked in India, accepting love, respect, and opportunity.”
They continued further, “So we wholeheartedly agree with our government’s decision: Not a single rupee should be given. Not a single minute of our time as a nation should be given. Not a single Indian platform should interact with them. The most important thing is our country and well-being of our people. We support our government and wholeheartedly endorse its decision. Nation First, Always!”
The Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE), a major film workers’ association, has also supported the initiative to keep Pakistani actors out of the Indian film and television sector.
Harshvardhan Refuses Sequel if Mawra Comes Back
The debate gathered more steam when Sanam Teri Kasam lead actor Harshvardhan Rane kept distance from a possible sequel if the role were taken up again by Mawra Hocane. Commenting on her denunciation of India’s military action, Harshvardhan posted on Instagram, “Although I appreciate the experience, however, where things are at present, and having read the direct remarks about my nation, I have made a decision to respectfully decline to be a part of Sanam Teri Kasam Part 2 if there is any chance of the previous cast being repeated.”
His statement came after Mawra’s X post in which she critiqued the Indian strikes. She had penned,
“Strongly condemn India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan… Innocent civilians lost their lives… May Allah guard us all… May sanity prevail… Ya Allah ho Ya Hafizo.”
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.. #PakistanZindabad
— MAWRA (@MawraHocane) May 6, 2025
Harshvardhan’s message was greatly liked online, as users on Reddit shared the same sentiments.
The remarks from the crew and actors follow in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military strike after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. Indian troops targeted terror nests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, which was associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed group. In retaliation, Pakistan initiated drone and artillery action along the border, which were thwarted by Indian troops.
Though Indian citizens generally endorsed the strikes, a number of Pakistani celebrities like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Mawra Hocane criticized them, creating widespread outrage in India.
Sanam Teri Kasam’s Re-Release Success
Produced by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, Sanam Teri Kasam first released in 2016. While it fared poorly upon initial release, the movie saw a re-release in February and became an unanticipated box office hit. Cast with Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane on their debut for Hindi cinema, the film garnered Rs. 53 crore at the worldwide box office Rs. 45 crore of it from the re-release, the top-grossing re-release ever in India.
