The tension between India and Pakistan has once again spilled over into the entertainment industry. In a surprising move that has stirred emotions across both sides of the border, popular Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane was removed from the poster of her 2016 Bollywood film Sanam Teri Kasam on Spotify. The action, reportedly part of a broader campaign against Pakistani artists, has sparked a wave of criticism and responses from celebrities and fans alike.
Political Backdrop Behind the Removal of Pakistani Stars
The incident unfolded in the wake of heightened political tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours, India and Pakistan. The situation escalated after Operation Bunyan-un-Marsous, a response by the Pakistan Armed Forces to recent border aggression. Amid this growing hostility, digital platforms began quietly removing Pakistani actors from visual promotions of Bollywood films where they had once played major roles.
On Spotify, movie album posters of famous Bollywood films such as Raees, Kapoor & Sons, and Sanam Teri Kasam no longer featured Pakistani stars like Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Mawra Hocane. The move left fans disappointed and disillusioned, seeing it as an unnecessary attempt to erase the contributions of Pakistani talent from Indian cinema.
Ameer Gilani’s Bold Response: “Edit Scripts, Not Artists”
Amid this controversial move, Sabaat actor Ameer Gilani, who is also Mawra Hocane’s husband, came forward to support his wife. In an Instagram story that quickly gained traction, Ameer criticized Bollywood’s decision in a witty yet powerful way.
“Instead of editing our stars that added quality to their projects, perhaps they should edit their scripts and make quality projects,” he wrote.
His remark not only called out the absurdity of removing actors post-release but also subtly questioned the quality of current Bollywood productions in the absence of cross-border talent.
Ameer’s statement resonated widely, especially with fans who’ve long admired Mawra’s performance in Sanam Teri Kasam. His show of solidarity also sparked a larger conversation on how art and politics often collide in unfortunate ways.
Industry Reactions: Support from Hina Altaf and Others
Ameer Gilani wasn’t the only one to speak up. Actress Hina Altaf also took to social media, showing her unwavering support for Mawra Hocane. In a heartfelt note, she wrote:
“Kia fark parta hai (how does it matter). She’s here, strong and solid with her OWN people.”
Her message underlined the resilience of Pakistani artists and the strong support they continue to receive at home, regardless of their treatment across the border.
This unity within the Pakistani entertainment industry shows how deeply the fraternity stands with its own, especially during times of unwarranted backlash or exclusion.
Erasing Contributions: A Troubling Trend
The removal of Mawra Hocane and other Pakistani stars from Indian media raises important questions about artistic integrity and the politicization of entertainment. Films like Sanam Teri Kasam owe much of their emotional resonance and international popularity to the performances of Pakistani actors. To erase them retrospectively not only disrespects their craft but also misrepresents the historical truth of these collaborations.
It’s clear that politics continues to cast a long shadow over cross-border artistic efforts. Yet, the strong responses from figures like Ameer Gilani and Hina Altaf show that artists will continue to stand firm, voice their opinions, and celebrate each other regardless of international developments.
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Mawra Hocane: A Star Who Shines Beyond Borders
Mawra Hocane’s performance in Sanam Teri Kasam was widely praised and earned her a significant fanbase in India and beyond. Despite the attempt to crop her out, her work and talent continue to be remembered and celebrated.
This incident, while unfortunate, has only brought more attention to the value of Mawra’s contribution to South Asian cinema. Her strength and dignity through it all serve as a reminder that real talent transcends borders.