Sanam Teri Kasam directors back ban on Pakistani actors amidst rising cross-border tensions: 'More disheartening is the statements of Pakistani actors who have worked in India'

Sanam Teri Kasam directors support Pakistani actors ban

The 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam's directors, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, have openly expressed their support for prohibiting Pakistani actors from performing in India.

They criticised Pakistani artists for their "silence and statements" in the wake of ongoing cross-border terrorism, particularly in light of the recent Indian military operation Sindoor, in a forceful statement provided to Hindustan Times.

After a terror attack in Pahalgam that tragically killed 26 civilians, tensions between India and Pakistan have increased. India responded by launching Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist organisations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

However, a number of Pakistani celebrities, including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Mawra Hocane, the leading lady of Sanam Teri Kasam, sharply criticised the move.

While talking to Hindustan Times, the directors expressed disappointment in their statement, saying "Innocent Indian lives continue to be lost to decades of cross-border terrorism. What’s even more disheartening is the silence—or worse, the statements—of Pakistani actors who have worked in India, receiving love, respect, and opportunity."

Backing the Indian government’s stand, they added: "So we fully agree with our government’s decision: Not a single rupee should be paid. Not a single minute of our time as a nation should be offered. Not a single Indian platform should engage with them. What matters most is our nation and the welfare of our people. We stand by our government and fully support its decision. Nation First — Always!"

The Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE), a prominent film workers’ organisation, has also reiterated its support for the ban on Pakistani talent in Indian media.

Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who starred opposite Mawra Hocane in Sanam Teri Kasam, also distanced himself from any potential sequel if Mawra is involved. He wrote on Instagram: "While I am grateful for the experience… I have made a decision to respectfully decline to be a part of Sanam Teri Kasam Part 2 if there is any possibility of the previous cast being repeated."

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His stance came after Mawra criticised Operation Sindoor on social media, writing: "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."

Once a modest box office performer, the movie experienced unexpected success when it was re-released in February 2025. It made Rs 53 crore worldwide, including Rs 45 crore from the re-release alone, making it the highest-earning re-release in recent memory.