Karachi: Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane has publicly slammed her Sanam Teri Kasam co-star Harshvardhan Rane for what she called a “shameful and desperate” attempt to gain attention amid a time of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. Rane recently announced he would not return for the film’s sequel if the original cast — including Mawra — were involved, citing her patriotic posts during the ongoing conflict.
The Indian actor took to social media with a statement that read: “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 2 if there is any possibility of the previous cast being repeated.”
Mawra didn’t hold back in her response. In a powerful Instagram post, she addressed Rane’s remarks, calling them “comical” and “a PR strategy” at a time of serious geopolitical unrest. “Look around you, look at what’s going on!!! We could all hear explosions… children in my country died due to an unjustified, cowardly attack,” she wrote, referencing the recent military strikes and casualties suffered in Pakistan.
She accused Rane of using the war as a personal publicity moment, saying: “While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with… a PR statement to get attention??? What a pity!” The actress emphasized that she had always shown respect and gratitude toward her co-stars and would not stoop to spewing hate, unlike Rane.
In a scathing continuation, Mawra added, “Making such announcements at this volatile time — it’s both shameful & bizarre to see you so hungry and desperate… Two nuclear countries have been at war. This is not the time to discuss films, to mock one another, to bring each other down… only goes to show your ignorance in such a sensitive situation.”
She ended her message on a serious note, highlighting the gravity of the situation and condemning the use of war for personal gain: “You just DO NOT use war for your personal benefit… so many lives lost… you’ve fallen from grace for nothing! Praying for our soldiers and civilians on both sides.”
The exchange has sparked intense conversation online, with fans and celebrities weighing in. Many lauded Mawra for her unapologetic stance and criticized the timing and tone of Rane’s announcement. The controversy comes as both nations remain locked in a fragile and highly emotional post-conflict atmosphere.
