Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 10: Actor Harshvardhan Rane, known for his role in the 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam, has declared that he will not participate in the film’s sequel if there’s “any possibility” of the previous cast being repeated, in a veiled reference to his Pakistani co-star Mawra Hocane.
The move comes in the backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, and follows the Indian government’s strong condemnation of ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Rane said:
“While I am grateful for the experience, as things stand and after reading the direct comments made about my country, I have made the decision to respectfully decline being a part of Sanam Teri Kasam Part 2 if there is any possibility of the previous cast being repeated.”
He further shared a screenshot of an article detailing Mawra Hocane’s alleged remarks critical of India’s counter-terror operations, expressing that he could not overlook such sentiments:
“I respect all artists and humans from this country, that country, Kenya, and even Mars, but derogatory remarks about my country by anyone are unpardonable… I won’t allow anyone to trample on my pride and upbringing.”
Rane’s stance reflects a broader wave of public sentiment in India following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, which saw India target terror infrastructure across the border.
Meanwhile, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed on Saturday that Pakistan had violated a newly agreed ceasefire, only hours after both sides had committed to a halt in firing across land, sea, and air.
“There have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier… The armed forces are giving an appropriate response. We take very, very serious note of these violations,” Misri said in a press briefing.
India reiterated that instructions have been issued to the armed forces to deal “strongly and decisively” with any future violations.
Rane’s public refusal to work with actors linked to anti-India sentiments has resonated with nationalistic voices, particularly at a time when cultural collaborations with Pakistani artists are under heightened scrutiny.
The DGMOs of India and Pakistan are scheduled to speak again on May 12 at noon, with the hope of stabilising a fragile ceasefire agreement.