Directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, who starred ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’, slammed Pakistani actors for their statements against Indian armed forces and Operation Sindoor. They told Hindustan Times No Indian platform should engage with Pakistani actors. Earlier, actor Harshvardhan Rane, who played the lead role in the film, said that if he was a part of the Pakistani actor Mavra Hocken, he would not be part of the sequel.

The director pair supported the India film industry ban on Pakistani actors amidst increasing tension between India and Pakistan. On 7 May, India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahgam attack, killing 26 people. Operation targeted nine terrorist centers in Pakistan and Pakistan -occupied Kashmir.

After Operation Sindoor, several Pakistani actors, including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and Hania Amir, were slammed for their statements. Mawra Hocane, who played the lead role in ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’, also shared her statement against Operation Sindoor.

Criticizing Pakistani actors, Radhika and Vinay said, “Innocent Indian life has been lost for cross -border terrorism for decades. Even more disappointing silence – or worse, the statements of Pakistani actors who have worked in India have received love, respect and opportunity.”

He emphasized that the nation comes first for him and appealed that no one should engage with Pakistani actors.

“Therefore we fully agree with our government’s decision: not a single rupee should be paid. There is not a single minute of our time as a nation should be offered. A single Indian platform should not be attached to them. What is the welfare of our nation and our people. We are standing by our government and supporting its decision fully.

The Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated their decision against working with Pakistani actors a few days after the Pahalgam attack.