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Pakistani Actors Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan`s Images Removed From Film Posters
Updated on: 13 May, 2025 06:02 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan
In a surprising turn of events that has caught the attention of film enthusiasts on both sides of the border, prominent Pakistani actors, including Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, have seemingly disappeared from the digital posters of their popular Hindi films on various music streaming platforms. This development follows the earlier removal of Mawra Hocane`s image from her film`s promotional material and unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Similarly, Mahira Khan, who starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, has been removed from the film`s album cover on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. The Raees album, which previously showcased Shah Rukh Khan with Mahira Khan, now features Shah Rukh Khan alone.
However, it`s interesting to note that not all past collaborations have been altered. The poster of the 2014 film Khoobsurat, which starred Sonam Kapoor alongside Fawad Khan, reportedly remains unchanged for the time being.
Also Read: Fawad Khan`s Abir Gulaal Songs Deleted From YouTube Amid Pahalgam Attack
When approached for comment, the film’s producer Deepak Mukut told Hindustan Times that he was unaware of the change. He stated, "They didn’t ask me; it’s their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.”
Harshvardhan Rane also weighed in on the development, remarking, “Now they will say that my PR team got this done! No, its again common sense I assume, weeding is being exercised.”
Also Read: Samay Raina Shares Chilling Details About Emotional Call With Dad In Jammu
In line with these developments, the Government of India had previously issued an advisory to OTT platforms and media streaming services. This advisory cautioned against content originating from Pakistan, citing the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The guidelines stress that publishers must avoid content that could affect India’s sovereignty and integrity, threaten national security, harm relations with foreign countries, or incite violence.
This series of events underscores a significant moment where geopolitical tensions are visibly impacting the cultural and entertainment landscape.
Vanishing Faces: Fawad and Mahira Edited Out
The digital alteration of promotional content has notably affected some of Bollywood`s well-received films. For instance, Fawad Khan, who garnered acclaim for his role in Kapoor & Sons, is now conspicuously absent from the film`s updated posters on music platforms. Furthermore, the popular song "Buddhu Sa Mann", which featured Fawad Khan alongside Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt, is currently inaccessible on YouTube in India. Users attempting to view the video are met with a message stating, “Video unavailable. The uploader has not made this video available in your country." The poster for this song on music apps has also been modified, removing Fawad`s image.Similarly, Mahira Khan, who starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, has been removed from the film`s album cover on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. The Raees album, which previously showcased Shah Rukh Khan with Mahira Khan, now features Shah Rukh Khan alone.
However, it`s interesting to note that not all past collaborations have been altered. The poster of the 2014 film Khoobsurat, which starred Sonam Kapoor alongside Fawad Khan, reportedly remains unchanged for the time being.
Also Read: Fawad Khan`s Abir Gulaal Songs Deleted From YouTube Amid Pahalgam Attack
Mawra Hocane Also Missing from Sanam Teri Kasam
Prior to these observations, Mawra Hocane’s image was also removed from the album covers of her Hindi film, Sanam Teri Kasam, on Spotify and YouTube Music. This left her co-star Harshvardhan Rane as the sole face on the promotional material.When approached for comment, the film’s producer Deepak Mukut told Hindustan Times that he was unaware of the change. He stated, "They didn’t ask me; it’s their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.”
Harshvardhan Rane also weighed in on the development, remarking, “Now they will say that my PR team got this done! No, its again common sense I assume, weeding is being exercised.”
Also Read: Samay Raina Shares Chilling Details About Emotional Call With Dad In Jammu
Rising Tensions and "Operation Sindoor"
These recent edits and removals are perceived by many as part of a wider response to the strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. Tensions escalated significantly following the tragic terrorist attacks in Pahalgam. India responded with "Operation Sindoor", targeting terror infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised a shift in India`s stance, stating that New Delhi "won’t tolerate nuclear blackmail" and that "Operation Sindoor was now India’s policy against terror".In line with these developments, the Government of India had previously issued an advisory to OTT platforms and media streaming services. This advisory cautioned against content originating from Pakistan, citing the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The guidelines stress that publishers must avoid content that could affect India’s sovereignty and integrity, threaten national security, harm relations with foreign countries, or incite violence.
This series of events underscores a significant moment where geopolitical tensions are visibly impacting the cultural and entertainment landscape.
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