Due to growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian music labels are making changes to album artwork by removing images of Pakistani actors. This move comes after a ban on social media accounts of several Pakistani celebrities.
One major change is seen in the cover of the film album Sanam Teri Kasam. The original artwork featured both lead stars, Harshvardhan Rane and Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane. Now, only Rane is shown on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music, with Hocane’s visuals removed.
A similar update happened with the album cover of Shah Rukh Khan’s movie Raees, where Pakistani actress Mahira Khan’s photo has been taken off. However, the cover of Khoobsurat, which stars Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan, remains unchanged for now.
Pakistani Actors Removed from Film Album Covers
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, Indian music labels have begun removing Pakistani actors from film album covers. This change follows the recent ban on the social media accounts of several Pakistani celebrities in India.
Images of Pakistani actresses Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane have been taken down from the album covers of their respective films, Raees (2017) and Sanam Teri Kasam (2016).
The updated Raees album now shows Shah Rukh Khan alone, with Mahira Khan’s image removed.
Take a look at the new poster here:
Similarly, the Sanam Teri Kasam album cover, which earlier featured both Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, now displays only Rane.
Take a look at the updated poster here:
These changes are also reflected on popular music streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music, where the original covers have been replaced.
Despite these updates, the album artwork of Khoobsurat (2014), starring Sonam Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, remains unchanged for now.
Harshvardhan Rane Bows Out of ‘Sanam Teri Kasam 2’
Actor Harshvardhan Rane, known for his role in Sanam Teri Kasam, has announced he won’t be returning for the sequel. His decision comes after controversy involving comments allegedly made by co-star Mawra Hocane.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I’ve decided not to be part of Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if there’s any chance the original cast is involved,” Rane said. “I respect all artists across countries, even from Mars, but I cannot support remarks that insult my country.”
Rane’s comments were a reaction to reports that Mawra called India’s Operation Sindoor a “cowardly” act. Without directly naming her, he added, “Loving your own country is one thing, but disrespecting another is not acceptable.”
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Mawra Hocane Responds Sharply
Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane responded strongly to Rane’s statement, criticizing the timing and suggesting it was a publicity stunt.
“It’s shameful and bizarre to make such statements during a time of conflict. Two nuclear-armed nations are on edge, and you’re using this moment for attention?” Mawra Hocane said. “Dragging my name after nine years to grab headlines is desperate and disappointing.”
She also accused Rane of using war and national tension to gain media coverage. “This isn’t the time for PR moves or film talk. Many lives are at stake.”
Harshvardhan Rane Defends His Stand
Rane stood firm on his decision, saying his actions were based on values, not PR.
“That seemed like a personal attack, which I can overlook. But I won’t tolerate any insult to my nation,” he stated. “Choosing to step away from the sequel is my personal decision. I won’t work with anyone who labels my country’s defense efforts as ‘cowardly.’”
He emphasized that it wasn’t a PR move but simple common sense.
Also Read: Sanam Teri Kasam Sequel Announced
Album Art Change Sparks Buzz
When asked about Mawra’s removal from the film’s album art, Rane said, “People will assume my PR team did it, but I believe it’s just common sense. This is a natural filtering process.”
Meanwhile, the film’s producer clarified that the decision to alter the artwork was made solely by the music label, not the production team. “They didn’t consult me. We all have to follow what the government says,” he explained.
