Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, the directors of the Bollywood film Sanam Teri Kasam, have announced that they will no longer collaborate with Pakistani actors, citing their stance on cross-border terrorism and recent remarks against India’s Operation Sindoor.
The decision comes after several Pakistani actors, including Mawra Hocane, who starred in Sanam Teri Kasam, made statements criticizing India’s military action against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Hocane’s remarks sparked controversy, leading to backlash from Indian film industry figures.
In an interview, Rao and Sapru emphasized that national interest comes first, stating, “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.”
The directors expressed full support for the Indian government’s decision to disengage from Pakistani talent, asserting that no Indian platform should engage with them. Their stance aligns with the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE), which recently reiterated its ban on Pakistani actors following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who played the lead role in Sanam Teri Kasam, also distanced himself from any potential sequel if Hocane were involved. He stated, “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.”
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, the Indian film industry appears to be taking a firm stance on national security and cross-border relations.
