Harshvardhan Rane is in the news for slamming his Sanam Teri Kasam co-star Mawra Hocane over her comments on Operation Sindoor. Both of them got involved in a war of words amid India’s escalating tension with Pakistan. In an exclusive conversation with Filmfare, the actor shared that he was not shocked seeing Mawra’s reaction, as something like this wasn’t new.

Asked about his initial reaction to Mawra calling India’s Operation Sindoor cowardly, Rane said, “No, it wasn’t shocking- this isn’t new. My immediate and continued response is to step back. I have no interest in attacking her or her country, which is why I haven’t used a single adjective against her and her country. I intend to maintain that standard. I believe in standing up for my own country. Dignity doesn’t require putting someone else down.”

For context, Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian army to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Indian civilians. The military action targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. After Mawra slammed India for this move, Harshvardhan put up a post saying that he will not be a part of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if any previous cast member is repeated. Soon after, Mawra reacted to this statement and called it a PR strategy for attention. Harshvardhan too, hit out, saying that he has zero tolerance for any attack on his nation’s dignity. He also stated that Mawra’s speech was filled with hate and personal attacks.

The actor further informed us, “When demeaning statements are given, the first thing I did is disassociate myself by respectfully declining further involvement with the individual, I would do the same as a cricketer, as a businessman, and since I work in films, am well within my rights to decline working with an actor who calls my countries actions cowardly.

Asked whether he will work with any other Pakistani artiste in the future, Harshvardhan reiterated his stance and shared, “Instead of speculating on the future, I want to be clear. I will gracefully step down from working with any actor who disrespects or attacks my nation’s dignity.”

Also Read:“So Much Hate In Her Speech” – Harshvardhan Rane Calls Out Mawra Hocane Over Her PR Strategy Remark