Actor Harshvardhan Rane has publicly announced that he will not be participating in the sequel to the 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam if the original cast, including Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane, is retained. The actor’s decision comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist hideouts across the border.
In a statement shared on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, Rane wrote, “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 part 2 if there is any possibility of the previous cast being repeated.”
Mawra Hocane, who played the female lead in the original film, has been at the center of speculation regarding her return for the sequel. Rane’s stance signals a clear disapproval of any move to cast Pakistani artists amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has also reiterated its long-standing position, reinforcing a strict ban on Pakistani artists, filmmakers, and financiers from working in the Indian entertainment industry. In a statement issued after India’s retaliatory strike on May 7, AICWA said, “No Indian artist will collaborate with any Pakistani talent, nor will any global platform be shared with them.”
The organization also criticized Indian music labels and performers who continue to associate with Pakistani artists on international platforms, calling such actions “a betrayal of national pride.” AICWA has previously imposed similar bans during earlier periods of cross-border conflict, notably in 2016 and 2019.
The current political climate, intensified by recent terrorist activities and India’s military response, has once again brought Indo-Pak artistic collaborations into sharp scrutiny. Rane’s refusal to be part of a project involving Pakistani talent echoes the sentiments of many within the Indian film fraternity who are choosing to prioritize national sentiment over cross-border cultural ties.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the producers of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 regarding the casting. The sequel’s future remains uncertain as political tensions continue to cast a shadow over artistic collaborations.
Sources By Agencies
