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Harshavardhan Rane Slams Sanam Teri Kasam Co-Star Mawra Hocane For This Comment
Updated on: 12 May, 2025 11:59 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Harshavardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane
The simmering tensions between India and Pakistan have spilled over into the film world, igniting a fiery exchange between actors Harshvardhan Rane and his "Sanam Teri Kasam" co-star, Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane. The dispute erupted after Rane stated he wouldn`t participate in the sequel to their 2016 film if Hocane was involved, a decision she labelled a "PR strategy," prompting a sharp retort from Rane.
Rane took to his Instagram story to clarify his stance: "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. Harshvardhan Rane, 10-5-25.” He attached a screenshot of a report featuring Mawra’s post, which read: “Strongly condemn India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan… Innocent civilians have lost their lives. May Allah protect us all… may sense prevail. Ya Allah ho Ya Hafizo.”
Mawra Hocane didn`t take Rane`s announcement lightly. She responded via her Instagram Stories, questioning his motives. “I don’t know whether to call this unfortunate, sad or comical… Someone I expected to have basic common sense has risen from deep slumber with a PR strategy,” she wrote. Hocane further added, “While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with? A PR statement to get attention? What a pity!"
She emphasised the gravity of the political situation, stating, "Look around you, look at what’s going on! We could all hear explosions. Children in my country died due to an unjustified cowardly attack, innocent lives are lost and after multiple attempts to still maintain grace and peace, a befitting response by my armed forces have caused a frenzy in your country last night." Hocane criticised Rane for what she perceived as insensitivity, saying, "Making such announcements at this volatile time, it’s both shameful and bizarre to see you so hungry and desperate... You just DO NOT use war for your personal benefit."
Also Read: Video of an Indian Astrologer Predicting War for India in May 2025 Goes Viral
He drew an analogy to make his point: “An Indian farmer would pluck out the unwanted weed from his crop its called WEEDING, the farmer doesn`t need a PR team for this act, its called common sense." Rane reiterated his stance, “I simply offered to step down from Part 2. I am fully within my rights to choose not to work with individuals who label my country`s actions as `cowardly’.” He also pointed out, “So much hate in her speech, so many personal remarks. I never mentioned her name or resorted to calling her names. Didn`t attack her dignity as a woman. I intend to maintain that standard.”
The India-Pakistan border tensions have indeed cast a long shadow over "Sanam Teri Kasam 2". The original film, despite a lukewarm initial release, found immense popularity later, with its re-release becoming the highest-grossing of its kind, earning a worldwide gross of ₹53 crore.
In a significant development, the makers of the film confirmed that Mawra Hocane has been dropped from the sequel. Their statement read, "Terrorism of any kind, against any nation, state, or people must be condemned unequivocally... In light of this, we stand by our government and fully support its decision. Nation first and always. Jai Hind." This unfortunate episode underscores how deeply political strains can impact artistic collaborations.
Also Read: Samay Raina Shares Chilling Details About Emotional Call With Dad In Jammu
Rane`s Refusal and Hocane`s "Operation Sindoor" Comments
The controversy began when Harshvardhan Rane announced his withdrawal from "Sanam Teri Kasam 2" if Mawra Hocane were to be part of the cast. This decision followed Hocane`s public condemnation of India`s "Operation Sindoor".Rane took to his Instagram story to clarify his stance: "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. Harshvardhan Rane, 10-5-25.” He attached a screenshot of a report featuring Mawra’s post, which read: “Strongly condemn India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan… Innocent civilians have lost their lives. May Allah protect us all… may sense prevail. Ya Allah ho Ya Hafizo.”
Mawra Hocane didn`t take Rane`s announcement lightly. She responded via her Instagram Stories, questioning his motives. “I don’t know whether to call this unfortunate, sad or comical… Someone I expected to have basic common sense has risen from deep slumber with a PR strategy,” she wrote. Hocane further added, “While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with? A PR statement to get attention? What a pity!"
She emphasised the gravity of the political situation, stating, "Look around you, look at what’s going on! We could all hear explosions. Children in my country died due to an unjustified cowardly attack, innocent lives are lost and after multiple attempts to still maintain grace and peace, a befitting response by my armed forces have caused a frenzy in your country last night." Hocane criticised Rane for what she perceived as insensitivity, saying, "Making such announcements at this volatile time, it’s both shameful and bizarre to see you so hungry and desperate... You just DO NOT use war for your personal benefit."
Also Read: Video of an Indian Astrologer Predicting War for India in May 2025 Goes Viral
Rane Fires Back
On Sunday, Harshvardhan Rane addressed Hocane`s "PR strategy" jab directly. On his Instagram Stories, he stated, “That sounded like an attempt at personal attack. Fortunately, I have tolerance to overlook such attempts – but have zero tolerance for any attack on my nation`s dignity.”He drew an analogy to make his point: “An Indian farmer would pluck out the unwanted weed from his crop its called WEEDING, the farmer doesn`t need a PR team for this act, its called common sense." Rane reiterated his stance, “I simply offered to step down from Part 2. I am fully within my rights to choose not to work with individuals who label my country`s actions as `cowardly’.” He also pointed out, “So much hate in her speech, so many personal remarks. I never mentioned her name or resorted to calling her names. Didn`t attack her dignity as a woman. I intend to maintain that standard.”
The India-Pakistan border tensions have indeed cast a long shadow over "Sanam Teri Kasam 2". The original film, despite a lukewarm initial release, found immense popularity later, with its re-release becoming the highest-grossing of its kind, earning a worldwide gross of ₹53 crore.
In a significant development, the makers of the film confirmed that Mawra Hocane has been dropped from the sequel. Their statement read, "Terrorism of any kind, against any nation, state, or people must be condemned unequivocally... In light of this, we stand by our government and fully support its decision. Nation first and always. Jai Hind." This unfortunate episode underscores how deeply political strains can impact artistic collaborations.
Also Read: Samay Raina Shares Chilling Details About Emotional Call With Dad In Jammu
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