Directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, best known for their film Sanam Teri Kasam, have expressed strong disapproval towards Pakistani actors' statements against the Indian Armed Forces following Operation Sindoor. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the duo slammed Pakistani actors for their remarks, particularly after the May 7 operation in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 Indian lives. They called for a complete ban on Indian platforms engaging with Pakistani actors in the current context.
The directors made it clear that their stance was rooted in national interest, stating that, despite Pakistani actors enjoying success and respect in India, their silence or negative statements regarding cross-border terrorism were disheartening. They expressed that Indian lives were continuously affected by terrorism emanating from across the border, and the response to this was crucial.
They echoed the sentiments of the Indian government and the entertainment industry’s stance, which includes the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE). The directors firmly supported the ban, declaring that no Indian platform should engage with Pakistani actors, emphasizing that the welfare of India and its people comes first. "What matters most is our nation and the welfare of our people," they said, standing firmly by their government's decision to halt collaborations with Pakistani artists.
This statement follows a broader cultural and political response, including actor Harshavardhan Rane’s remarks that he would not participate in a sequel to Sanam Teri Kasam if Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane was involved. Hocane had earlier made statements critical of Operation Sindoor, further escalating tensions.
