In a bold and patriotic statement, Sanam Teri Kasam directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru publicly criticized the recent stance of several Pakistani actors who condemned India’s military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor. This operation was conducted in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 Indian civilians tragically lost their lives. While India launched targeted air strikes on terrorist facilities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the reaction from several Pakistani celebrities sparked outrage.
Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, known for their emotional storytelling, expressed deep disappointment with the Pakistani actors’ silence or criticism. They emphasized that these actors had previously been welcomed in India, enjoyed career opportunities, and received immense affection from Indian audiences. The Sanam Teri Kasam directors Radhika Rao Vinay Sapru strongly affirmed their belief that Indian platforms should not promote or support any individual who questions the nation’s defense operations.
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Harshvardhan Rane Refuses to Work in Sequel if Mawra Hocane Is Recast After Her Anti-India Remarks
Harshvardhan Rane, the male lead in Sanam Teri Kasam, joined the chorus of criticism after his former co-star Mawra Hocane posted a strongly worded tweet condemning India’s military strike. In her post, Mawra referred to the Indian operation as a “cowardly attack,” and expressed sympathy for those in Pakistan, ignoring the Indian civilian casualties that triggered the action.
In a mature and patriotic response, Rane shared on Instagram that he would not be part of the planned Sanam Teri Kasam sequel if there was any chance of Mawra returning in the lead role. He wrote, “As things stand, after reading direct comments made about my country, I have made the decision to respectfully decline being part of any continuation of this film if the previous cast is repeated.”
This stance by Rane received massive support on social media, with many fans praising his nationalistic integrity and personal values. The statement added weight to the ongoing debate about the place of Pakistani actors in Indian cinema.
Sanam Teri Kasam Directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru Support Government’s Cultural Ban Amid Rising Tensions
The Sanam Teri Kasam directors Radhika Rao Vinay Sapru also made it clear that they fully support the Indian government’s cultural ban on Pakistani artists. They endorsed the position taken by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a leading non-governmental film workers’ union, which has pushed for a complete halt on employing Pakistani talent across Indian entertainment platforms.
Radhika and Vinay stated, “We stand by our government’s decision. Not a single rupee, not a single platform, not a single minute of our time should be extended to those who do not respect our nation.” Their message underlines a strong sense of national pride and adds momentum to the growing demand for a long-term policy change regarding foreign actors, especially from countries that do not reciprocate cultural respect or tolerance.
Sanam Teri Kasam Re-Release Finds Success Years Later, Proving Its Cult Following and Commercial Potential
Originally released in 2016, Sanam Teri Kasam had a lukewarm box office response during its initial run. Despite its emotional plot and captivating performances, the film did not perform as expected commercially. However, the movie found a second life among viewers on television and streaming platforms, eventually earning a cult status among romantic drama fans.
In a surprising turn of events, the film was re-released in early 2025 and managed to outperform several contemporary Bollywood releases. It grossed ₹45 crore from its re-release alone, with the total global earnings reaching ₹53 crore. This re-release success sparked immediate discussions about creating a sequel, encouraging the directors and producers to act swiftly.
The Sanam Teri Kasam directors Radhika Rao Vinay Sapru confirmed that the sequel had already been written and was scheduled for a 2026 release. They believe the film’s deep emotional resonance and growing popularity justified its continuation, despite the ongoing casting controversies.
Debate Over Casting in the Sequel: Artistic Vision vs. National Sentiment
While fans eagerly await the sequel, controversy looms over the choice of cast. Mawra Hocane’s involvement is now seen as highly problematic due to her public political stance. The producers and directors are navigating a delicate situation—balancing the original film’s chemistry and continuity with patriotic and public sentiments.
Producer Deepak Mukut, who owns the rights to the original film, has shown interest in moving forward but has not publicly confirmed whether Mawra will return. According to reports, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru have made it clear that the casting will reflect not only artistic merit but also national integrity and public mood.
The Sanam Teri Kasam directors Radhika Rao Vinay Sapru are expected to release casting updates soon, with the expectation that new faces may be introduced to replace controversial figures.
Artistic Freedom Should Never Undermine National Values, Say Sanam Teri Kasam Directors
This incident has once again brought into focus the fragile balance between artistic freedom and national loyalty. The statements by the Sanam Teri Kasam directors Radhika Rao Vinay Sapru reinforce the belief that while cinema is a powerful medium of storytelling, it cannot be divorced from the larger social and political realities of the time.
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise, the Indian entertainment industry faces mounting pressure to reflect the sentiments of the nation. Radhika and Vinay’s clear stance signals a significant shift in how Indian filmmakers may approach international collaborations in the future.
