The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, 12 May 2025– The onscreen chemistry that once made Sanam Teri Kasam a cult romantic hit is now history, as real-life tensions between the film’s co-stars, Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, spill out into public view. Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the two actors have engaged in a heated online exchange, reigniting old controversies around the much-anticipated sequel.
The drama began when Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane publicly criticized Harshvardhan Rane’s decision to opt out of Sanam Teri Kasam 2, labeling it a mere “PR strategy” and suggesting it was a move to gain attention. This remark did not go down well with Rane, who issued a sharp retort on Instagram Stories.
“Fortunately, I have tolerance to overlook such attempts – but have zero tolerance for any attack on my nation’s dignity,” he posted on Sunday evening.
Rane, who has built a reputation as a reserved and patriotic figure in Bollywood, also used a metaphor to underscore his stance, comparing Hocane’s removal from the sequel to “weeding out a farm” — implying her exit was both deliberate and necessary for growth.
The original film, released in 2016, had garnered a strong fan following in both India and Pakistan. The emotional love story between Saru and Inder struck a chord with audiences, with both lead actors gaining fame for their roles. However, the current political climate and heightened sensitivities around cross-border collaborations have put a strain on professional relationships as well.
Sources close to the production of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 suggest that casting decisions were influenced not just by the changing geopolitical environment but also by creative differences between the actors and the producers. While Rane’s exit was reportedly on personal and national grounds, Hocane’s statements have been interpreted by many as an attempt to stay in the spotlight.
Fans of the original film have taken to social media to express their disappointment at the fallout. While some sided with Rane, praising his patriotic stand, others questioned whether art and politics should be kept separate.
“This is just sad to watch. We loved them in the movie, and now it’s all bitterness,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
As the controversy unfolds, the future of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 remains uncertain, especially with key cast members walking away and diplomatic tensions casting a shadow over cross-border cultural exchanges.
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