In the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, a military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, drawing reactions from public figures across both nations. Among them, Pakistani actress Mahira Khan’s criticism of the operation has sparked controversy, leading to a sharp rebuke from Indian actor Avinash Mishra.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted nine terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian government described the strikes as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” aiming at infrastructure of terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, without targeting Pakistani military facilities .Wikipedia
Mahira Khan, known for her role in the Bollywood film “Raees,” took to social media to condemn the operation, stating, “India, your war and hate rhetoric has continued for many years… You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you.” Her remarks were met with criticism from Indian netizens and celebrities alike.
Avinash Mishra, an Indian television actor recognized for his roles in “Yeh Teri Galiyan” and “Nath – Zewar Ya Zanjeer,” responded to Khan’s comments via his Instagram story. He wrote, “O Mahira didi, Pakistan ko blame karne ki jarurat nahi hai hume, evidence pure world ne dekh liye hai. Bas ab mahool theek hone ke baad hamare BHARAT me kaam maangne mat aajana. But kudos apne country ki side lene ke liye. Yaha kuch celebs apne reach aur follower count me gaddar ban rkhe hai. But tension nahi, baad me unka number bhi lagega.”Wikipedia
Mishra further criticized Indian celebrities for their silence on the matter, stating, “Celebrities from across the border—who built their fame on Indian audiences—now calling India’s action against terrorism ‘shameful’ & ‘cowardly’ is the height of hypocrisy.” He added, “Where are our celebrities now? If you cannot speak up for your country just to protect your ‘brand’ or follower count, don’t ever pretend to represent India.”
The exchange highlights the deepening cultural and political rift between India and Pakistan, exacerbated by recent military actions and the ensuing public discourse. As tensions continue to rise, the role of public figures in shaping national narratives remains under scrutiny.
