Sanam Teri Kasam Co-Stars Turn Rivals Over Political Comments
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, a public spat has erupted between former co-stars Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, who worked together in the 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam. The controversy began when Harshvardhan announced he would not return for the film’s sequel if Mawra was involved.
Why Did Harshvardhan Exit Sanam Teri Kasam 2?
Harshvardhan Rane made headlines when he refused to be part of the sequel, citing Mawra Hocane’s condemnation of India’s military action during Operation Sindoor.
“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,” Rane posted on Instagram.
His message was accompanied by a screenshot of Mawra’s now-viral post where she wrote:
“Strongly condemn India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan… Innocent civilians have lost their lives. May Allah protect us all.”
Mawra Hocane Fires Back: “It’s a PR Strategy”
Responding to Harshvardhan’s decision, Mawra took to Instagram Stories with a scathing message:
“Someone I expected to have basic common sense has risen from deep slumber with a PR strategy… While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with? A PR statement to get attention? What a pity!”
She further added:
“So many lives lost… and you’re using war for personal benefit. You’ve fallen from grace for nothing.”
Harshvardhan’s Counter: “Zero Tolerance for Attack on My Nation”
Harshvardhan responded again, writing on his Instagram Stories:
“That sounded like an attempt at personal attack… But I have zero tolerance for any attack on my nation’s dignity.”
He emphasized that his exit was not a PR gimmick, but a personal and patriotic decision:
“An Indian farmer weeds out what’s unwanted… I simply stepped down. I’m fully within my rights to not work with someone who labels my country’s actions as cowardly.”
The Clash Gets Personal
While Harshvardhan maintained he never named or insulted Mawra personally, he noted:
“So much hate in her speech… I intend to maintain dignity and not attack her as a woman.”
Sanam Teri Kasam: From Flop to Cult Status
Directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, Sanam Teri Kasam initially underperformed at the box office. However, its re-release in February 2025 saw a stunning resurgence, raking in ₹53 crore globally, with ₹45 crore from the re-release alone — making it the highest-grossing Bollywood re-release ever.
Political Backdrop and Fallout
This exchange comes at a highly sensitive time, with India and Pakistan involved in a volatile standoff post-Operation Sindoor. Mawra’s condemnation of Indian military action and Harshvardhan’s patriotic response have turned a film sequel into a flashpoint for political and cultural debate.
