The political tension between India and Pakistan has been at an all-time high, and the feud has officially seeped into the entertainment world. Amid the ongoing tensions between the neighbouring countries, a social media feud has ensued between former co-stars, Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, marking a turbulent fallout nearly a decade after the release of their cult romantic film, Sanam Teri Kasam. After Harshvardhan’s bold stance against Mawra’s controversial remarks slamming India’s Operation Sindoor, the latter accused him of using the ‘war’ as a ‘PR statement to get attention’.
Mawra Hocane alleges Harvardhan Rane of using ‘PR strategy’
The digital fallout between Sanam Teri Kasam co-stars, Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, started when Rane took a stand against working in the film’s sequel if the Pakistani actress was involved. Taking to his Instagram, Harshvardhan shared his decision after Mawra slammed India for Operation Sindoor, carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 civilians and security personnel.
Mawra also fired back with a scathing IG Story, accusing the actor of using the volatile cross-border situation for publicity and attention. She criticised Harshvardhan for stirring controversy at a time of national crisis, and using the war for his personal benefit. She wrote:
“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. Look around you… children in my country died due to an unjustified cowardly attack, innocent lives are lost… While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with, a PR statement to get attention?… Making such announcements at this volatile time, it’s both shameful and bizarre to see you so hungry and desperate. Our countries have been at WAR… You just DO NOT use war for your personal benefit.”
Harshvardhan Rane claps back at Marwa Hocane’s remark
On May 11, 2025, Harshvardhan responded to Mawra’s remarks by clarifying his stance via Instagram Stories. Without taking her name, he called out the actress for resorting to personal digs. Harshvardhan didn’t hold back, stating he would never tolerate any attack on his nation’s dignity. He likened his decision to a farmer removing weeds—an act of common sense rather than a PR stunt. He clarified that his decision was neither a PR gimmick nor a publicity-seeking move but a personal and national principle matter. His post read:
“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. An Indian farmer would pluck out the unwanted weed from his crop—it’s called weeding. The farmer doesn’t need a PR team for this act, it’s called common sense. 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’. 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.”
Harshvardhan declines Sanam Teri Kasam 2
The 2016 film, Sanam Teri Kasam, starring Harvardhan Rane and Pakistani actress, Mawra Hocane, found unexpected success with its 2025 re-release, pulling in Rs. 53 crore worldwide and generating buzz about a potential sequel. However, amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, and Mawra calling Operation Sindoor a ‘cowardly attack’, Harshvardhan announced on his IG Stories that he would decline Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if the same cast were to be repeated.
What do you think about the social media feud between Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane?
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