Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, Bollywood actor Harshvardhan Rane has announced his decision to step away from the sequel of his 2016 romantic drama, Sanam Teri Kasam, if Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane is retained in the cast.

In a statement shared on his Instagram Stories, Rane expressed gratitude for his experience in the original film but emphasized that, given the current circumstances and after reading direct comments made about his country, he has decided to respectfully decline participation in Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if the previous cast is repeated.

This decision follows Mawra Hocane's recent social media posts criticizing India's military actions, which have been perceived by many as anti-India calling Operation Sindoor a cowardly act. Rane's stance aligns with the All Indian Cine Workers Association's (AICWA) renewed call for a complete ban on Pakistani artists in Indian cinema, urging the industry to prioritize national interest over artistic collaborations. 

In response, Hocane dismissed Rane's statement as a publicity stunt, suggesting it was a PR move to garner attention amid the film's renewed popularity. 

The original Sanam Teri Kasam gained cult status post its 2016 release, especially after a successful re-release earlier this year.