'Not a single Indian platform should engage with Pakistani actors': Makers of 'Sanam Teri Kasam' back Harshvardhan Rane's statement

A day after actor Harshvardhan Rane expressed his wish to detach himself from a potential Sanam Teri Kasam sequel if his Pakistani co-star Mawra Hocane were allowed to reprise her role in it — a reaction to her tweet condemning Operation Sindoor — the film's directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru have come forward to back Rane's statement while emphasising their endorsement of the Indian government's ban on Pakistani actors working in India and directive given to OTT or any other platforms to no longer accommodate Pakistan-origin content.

In a statement to Hindustan Times, Radhika and Vinay slammed the stance of Pakistani actors in the wake of the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. "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. 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!" they said.

Earlier, along with Mawra Hocane, Pakistani actors such as Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan were critical of Operation Sindoor, India's air strikes on terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a non-governmental film workers' body, has also endorsed the ban on Pakistani actors associated with India-based projects. 

What did Mawra Hocane tweet?

On Wednesday, May 7, the actress posted on X (formerly Twitter): "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."

Harshvardhan Rane's response

On Saturday, Harshvardhan posted on Instagram: "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."

 

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