Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane, known for her role in Sanam Teri Kasam, has addressed the growing backlash against Pakistani actors in India, particularly after the announcement of Fawad Khan’s new Bollywood project Abir Gulaal.
In a recent interview with Times of India, Hocane shared her thoughts on the criticism surrounding Fawad Khan’s casting in the upcoming film, which stars Vaani Kapoor and is facing pressure from right-wing Indian political groups like Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena.
Also Read: Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ gets threat from Hindu political party
These groups have threatened to block the film’s release in Maharashtra, igniting a fresh wave of controversy around Pakistani performers in Indian cinema. However, Mawra remains unfazed. “I don’t take it personally,” she said. “This is how the world works. I truly believe if it’s meant to happen, it will. I block out the noise and focus on my work.”
She acknowledged that political barriers often complicate such collaborations but emphasized that it’s not something artists should dwell on. “It’s the producer’s problem, which is unfortunate. But I won’t stress about what’s beyond my control,” she added.
Also Read: Mawra Hocane’s Indian Music Video Debut: ‘Tu Chaand Hai’ Set to Shine
Having recently starred in the Hindi music video Tu Chaand Hai, Mawra also extended her support to Fawad Khan, saying, “When my colleagues succeed, we support each other. I truly wish the best for everyone. I hope this film does really well.”
Despite the uproar, there is no formal government ban on Pakistani artists in India. The Bombay High Court dismissed a petition in 2023 that sought to enforce one, but uncertainty remains due to unofficial opposition.
