Sanam Teri Kasam's Harshvardhan Rane publicly snubs Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane; read to know more

Harshvardhan Rane VS Mawra Hocane

Many Pakistani actors who were once highly praised by Indian audiences for their Bollywood roles have recently provoked outrage by strongly denouncing Operation Sindoor, a major anti-terror operation carried out by the Indian Armed Forces.

Fans who once supported their crossover success were severely disappointed when some Pakistani artists called the operation 'shameful' or 'cowardly,' while the majority of India praised it as a brave and admirable deed.

Mawra Hocane’s Controversial Statement on Operation Sindoor

Mawra Hocane, a Pakistani actress best known for her role in the 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam, is one example of this. In India, she received positive reviews for her Bollywood debut with Harshvardhan Rane. But many were shocked and incensed by her response to Operation Sindoor.

In a social media post shortly after the operation, Mawra 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 the post with the hashtag #PakistanZindabad. Her remarks were swiftly met with fierce criticism across social platforms, particularly from Indian fans who had once celebrated her work.

When her former co-star Harshvardhan Rane reacted to her statement, the controversy intensified. He took a strong stance, saying that if there were any plans to keep the original cast for the upcoming Sanam Teri Kasam sequel, he would no longer be associated with it.

Harshvardhan Rane Takes a Stand Against Mawra Hocane

Posting to his Instagram Stories, Harshvardhan wrote, “While I am grateful for the experience however as things stand, and 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’ part 2 if there is any possibility of the previous cast being repeated."

In a follow-up post, he shared a screenshot of Mawra’s statement, adding a pointed commentary: “I respect all artists and humans of this country, that country, Kenya and even Mars, but this kind of derogatory remarks about my country by anyone is unpardonable. Am okay with losing out on followers on Instagram, but won’t allow anyone to walk over the pride and upbringing. Standing by your country is good, but disrespectful, hate remarks about other country is not."

Mawra Accuses Harshvardhan of PR Stunt

Mawra did not remain silent. Responding sharply to Harshvardhan’s decision, she accused him of opportunism and attempting to use the situation as a publicity move. She commented, “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!"

Standing by His Country

Not one to let the criticism pass unanswered, Harshvardhan clapped back through another Instagram Story on Sunday, 11 May. While refraining from naming her directly, he countered, "That sounded like an attempt at a personal attack. Fortunately, I have tolerance to overlook such attempts—but have zero tolerance for any attack on my nation’s dignity."

He further elaborated with an analogy: "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."

Clarifying his position further, he stated, “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’.” Emphasising that his decision was driven by patriotism, not self-promotion, he added, “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."

Despite getting a mixed reception when it was first released in 2016, Sanam Teri Kasam saw a resurgence of interest after being reissued in February 2025. However, any potential sequel has been clouded by the recent political controversy.