'I’m an Indian First': Rupali Ganguly, Hina Khan Slam Pakistani Fans Who Unfollow Them Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Many Bollywood celebrities and TV actors have continued to publically address fans and their fellow country men and women to stay united in challenging times such as these amid India-Pakistan tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. As a result of these, severalmPakistani artists were blocked on social media by India. When Pakistani actors such as Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir criticised India's Operation Sindoor, they were brutally trolled by NRI netizens. On the otehr hand, when Fawad Khan called Operation Sindoor a 'shameful attack', it was slammed by Anupamaa actor Rupali Ganguly, who tweeted, "You working in Indian films was also ‘shameful’ for us.”
While many appreciated Rupali, she and her fellow TV actor Hina Khan have lost several followers on social media, with former Pakistani fans unfollowing them. Both Indian actors have now shared a hard-hitting response for their former Pakistani fans.
Rupaly Ganguly’s reaction
Rupali Ganguly, best known for the TV show 'Anupamaa'tweeted, "Unfollowing me won't bring any betterment to your country. First ask your government and army to stop terrorism against India, this will be the only way for the betterment of Pakistan. Your following or unfollowing may make a difference to an artist but not to an Indian. And I'm an Indian First. A Proud INDIAN. Jai Hind Jai Bharat.”
Hina Khan reaction
Hina Khan, on the other hand, wrote, "All my Life I only saw affection from across the border. After supporting my Country before and after Operation Sindoor. Many of you abused me, cursed me, Many have unfollowed me. Many more threatening to unfollow me. This threat is accompanied by Abuses, Salacious and Demeaning Hate directed not just to me but to my Medical Condition, My Family and even my Faith. I don't expect you to support my country. You support yours that's ok, I don't expect you ton understand the nuances beyond the mutual alienations. I only hoped that you will conduct yourself at least as humanly as I have been towards you all. But I Guess, that's the Difference. I am not Anything if I am not an Indian. I will always be an Indian, First. So, Go Ahead. UNFOLLOW ME I Don't Care. I did not abuse or curse any of you.. I only supported my country.. What you say defines you. What you choose defines your ideology. How you act in tough times shows your depth as a Human Being. It has nothing to do with Me. No matter what I will support my country Jai Hind.”
A day before sharing this message for her Pakistani fans, Hina had written about the war and the importance of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. She wrote on her Instagram story, "No one wins in a war. No-One. Innocents die on both sides🥺 Praying for the frontliners🙏 We didn’t want war before Pahalgam, we don’t want it now.. Butttt Our people were killed, Our response was important, precise and non escalatory, We don’t promote violence.. And I know all of us eventually prefer peace.. As much as I stand with my country to eradicate terrorism.. I also wish and pray for De escalation🙏 Jai Hind.”
television