A fresh controversy has erupted in the entertainment industry as actor Harshvardhan Rane has publicly refused to work with Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane in the upcoming sequel to Sanam Teri Kasam. The fallout follows recent cross-border tensions after India's military operation in Pahalgam, dubbed Operation Sindoor, in response to a terror attack.

The dispute began after Mawra Hocane criticized India’s military response on social media, calling it a “cowardly act.” Reacting strongly to her statement, Harshvardhan Rane announced he would not be a part of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if the original cast was retained.

“I will never allow anyone to trample on the dignity of my nation or my upbringing,” Rane posted in an Instagram story. “I have politely declined to be part of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if the previous cast is repeated,” he said. 

Hocane responded sharply, accusing Rane of politicizing the issue for publicity. In her own Instagram story, she stated, “I expected better general knowledge from someone I once worked with. This is nothing more than a PR stunt from someone who just woke up.”

The exchange quickly gained traction on social media, polarizing opinions across the border and within the film industry.

Rane, however, remained composed in his follow-up, reiterating his stance without escalating the personal nature of the dispute. “This feels like a personal attack,” he said, adding “But I cannot tolerate any insult to my country.”

In another post, he added, "A farmer has the right to uproot unwanted weeds from his crop. That is called cleansing. He doesn’t need a PR agency to do that.”

He further clarified that his decision was not personal, but driven by principles. “I’ve chosen not to work with people who label my country’s actions cowardly. That is my right. I never insulted Mawra as a woman, yet her response was filled with personal bitterness," he said.