Highlights:

Harshvardhan Rane declines Sanam Teri Kasam 2 over co-star Mawra Hocane’s remarks on India.

Mawra criticizes his decision, calling it a “PR stunt” amid rising tensions between the two nations.

Rane defends his stance, calling her comments hateful and personal.

The actors previously starred together in the 2016 romantic film, now at the center of a political and personal spat.

A public rift has erupted between actors Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, co-stars of the 2016 film Sanam Teri Kasam, over the sequel and the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.

The controversy began when Rane announced his decision to opt out of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if Pakistani actor Mawra Hocane remained involved, following her social media criticism of India’s Operation Sindoor. Hocane had referred to the operation as a “cowardly attack,” prompting a strong reaction from Rane.

In response, Mawra accused Harshvardhan of using the political climate to gain attention, calling his move a calculated “PR strategy.” “This is what you come up with while our nations are at war?” she wrote on Instagram, expressing disbelief and criticizing the timing of his announcement.

Mawrellous instagram story:

Harshvardhan hit back on Sunday through his Instagram stories, emphasizing that his stance was driven by national pride, not publicity. “I have zero tolerance for any attack on my nation’s dignity,” he wrote. Without naming Mawra directly, he likened his decision to a farmer removing weeds from his crop, adding, “The farmer doesn’t need a PR team for this act—it’s called common sense.”

Harshvardhan instagram story:

Rane further condemned what he described as personal attacks in Mawra’s statement, saying, “So much hate in her speech. I never attacked her dignity or used her name. I intend to maintain that standard.”

Hocane, however, doubled down, criticizing Rane for exploiting a grave geopolitical moment for personal gain. She called his statement “shameful and bizarre,” claiming it showcased his ignorance during a sensitive period marked by loss and violence. “This is not the time to discuss films or throw shade,” she added.

The situation spiraled after Rane had initially posted a message on May 10 confirming his decision to exit the film. Alongside a screenshot of Mawra’s post condemning Operation Sindoor, he wrote, “I respectfully decline to be a part of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if any original cast is repeated.”

Sanam Teri Kasam, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, was a slow-burn hit that found new success in a 2025 re-release, grossing ₹53 crore globally—₹45 crore of it from the re-release alone.

With political and emotional tensions running high, the future of the film’s sequel remains uncertain, caught in the crossfire of personal principles and national sentiment.