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In the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions and the recent ban on social media accounts belonging to Pakistani celebrities, Indian music labels have begun altering the artwork of film albums to exclude Pakistani actors.

One of the noticeable changes is the cover of 'Sanam Teri Kasam', which originally featured both lead actors Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane. The revised versions now display only Rane, removing all visuals of the Pakistani actress from platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music.

A similar revision was seen on the album cover of Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Raees', where Mahira Khan’s image has been removed. However, 'Khoobsurat', starring Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan, remains unchanged for now.

Harshvardhan Rane's statement

Amid the fallout, 'Sanam Teri Kasam' actor Harshvardhan Rane announced his decision to not return for the sequel if there was any chance the original cast would be involved.

“While I am grateful for the experience, I have decided to respectfully decline to be part of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if there’s any chance of the previous cast returning. I respect all artists and humans of this country, that country, Kenya, and even Mars. But derogatory remarks about my country are unpardonable.”

His remark was in response to Mawra Hocane reportedly referring to India’s Operation Sindoor as a “cowardly” act. Without naming her directly, Rane added, “Standing by your country is good, but disrespecting another is not.”

Mawra Hocane's response

In response, Mawra Hocane criticised Rane’s timing and motivation.

“Someone I expected to have basic common sense has risen from deep slumber with a PR strategy… While our nations are at war, this is what you come up with? A PR statement to get attention? What a pity!”

She continued, “Making such announcements at this volatile time, it’s both shameful and bizarre to see you so hungry and desperate. Our countries have been at WAR… two nuclear countries have been at war, this is not the time to discuss films, to mock one another, to bring each other down. Only goes to show your ignorance in such a sensitive situation, I guess it’s not just your news media that’s gone bonkers. If throwing all the respect away and using my name after nine years is getting you the headlines… you might be surrounded by the wrong team. You just DO NOT use war for your personal benefit. So many lives lost… it’s a grave situation, you’ve fallen from grace for nothing!”

Rane stands his ground

Rane responded to her remarks by accusing her of making a personal attack while defending his right to step away from the film.

“That sounded like an attempt at personal attack. Fortunately, I have tolerance to overlook such attempts – but have zero tolerance for any attack on my nation’s dignity.”

He continued with a metaphor: “The farmer doesn’t need a PR team for this act, it’s called common sense. I simply offered to step down from Part 2. I am fully within my rights to choose not to work with individuals who label my country’s actions as ‘cowardly.’”

On the album art edits

Reacting to Mawra’s removal from the album artwork, Rane told HT City, “Now they will say that my PR team got this done! No, it’s again common sense I assume, weeding is being exercised.”

Meanwhile, the producer of 'Sanam Teri Kasam' commented that the decision was entirely that of the music label. “They didn’t ask me, it is their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.”