Harshvardhan Rane Opts Out of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 Amid Row Over Co-Star Mawra Hocane’s Remarks

Alex B · Saturday at 4:05 PM

Harshvardhan Rane says he won't be part of 'Sanam Teri Kasam 2' if previous cast is repeated.webp

New Delhi, May 10 – Actor Harshvardhan Rane has publicly withdrawn from the sequel of Sanam Teri Kasam, citing strong objections to derogatory comments made about India by a former co-star. The decision comes in the wake of Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane’s criticism of India's military operation, which has further heightened tensions between the two neighbouring nations.

Rane, who starred opposite Hocane in the 2016 romantic drama directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, made it clear that he will not reprise his role in Sanam Teri Kasam Part 2 if there’s any possibility of the original cast being retained.

“While I am grateful for the experience, however as things stand, and after reading the direct comments made about my country, I have made a decision to respectfully decline to be a part of Sanam Teri Kasam part 2 if there is any possibility of the previous cast being repeated,” Rane wrote in a social media post.

The actor also directly addressed Hocane’s remarks, which labelled India’s Operation Sindoor as a “cowardly attack”. Operation Sindoor involved military strikes by Indian armed forces on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, launched in response to the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives.

Sharing a screenshot of the article containing Hocane’s comments, Rane further stated:

“I respect all artists and humans of this country, that country, Kenya and even Mars, but this kind of derogatory remarks about my country by anyone is unpardonable. I’m okay with losing out on followers on Instagram, but won’t allow anyone to walk over the pride and upbringing. Standing by your country is good but disrespectful, hateful comments about our country is not.”

The original Sanam Teri Kasam saw a lukewarm response at the box office upon its release in 2016 but gradually earned a cult following. Its sequel was announced earlier this year with Rane confirmed as the lead. However, there had been no official word on whether Hocane would return.

The controversy also comes amid a broader fallout in the entertainment industry following the Pahalgam attack. Several Pakistani actors’ Instagram accounts, including Hocane's, have been blocked in India, and the release of Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated Bollywood comeback Abir Gulaal has reportedly been stalled.

Tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan, with the entertainment industry now becoming an indirect battleground reflecting the strained bilateral relations.