Pictures of Mawra Hocane, Mahira Khan removed from album covers of Sanam Teri Kasam, Raees; Harshvardhan Rane takes a dig

On Saturday, the actor took to his Instagram Stories and wrote, “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.”

Taking a dig at Mawra Hocane calling India’s Operation Sindoor a “cowardly” act, Harshvardhan wrote, “Standing by your country is good, but disrespecting another is not.”

Mawra Hocane calls Harshvardhan’s decision a PR strategy

Harshvardhan Rane’s statement gained the attention of Mawra Hocane, who called his decision a PR stunt. She wrote on her Instagram Stories, “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 added, “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!”

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Harshvardhan Rane slams Mawra Hocane

This, however, didn’t go down well with Harshvardhan Rane. The actor quickly took to his Instagram Stories to share a note that read, “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 added that an Indian farmer would pluck out the unwanted weed from his crop and its called “WEEDING”. “The farmer doesn’t need a PR team for this act, its 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.'”

Harshvardhan Rane reacts to removal of Mawra Hocane from album cover

Speaking to HT City, Harshvardhan Rane said, “Now they will say that my PR team got this done! No, its again common sense I assume, weeding is being exercised.”

The film’s producer too reacted to the news and told the publication, “They didn’t ask me, it is their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.”