Proud of India, have deep respect for government: Mandana Karimi after backlash

India Today

08-05-2025

Iranian model and actor Mandana Karimi has outrage from several Indians after her Instagram story mentioning Operation Sindoor. Now, she has shared a post on how faceless Instagram accounts have been asking her to go back to her own country, and clarified that she is "proud of India" and has "deep respect for the Indian government."Her earlier post mentioned "India bombing Pakistan and murdering civilians and children." In her latest post, Karimi stated that her message was intended to promote peace, not to delve into religious or political issues. She expressed disappointment over the hate she received from anonymous accounts, urging her to return to her country.advertisementShe then wrote, "Let me say this loud and clear: I've lived in India for 16 years. I've worked hard, adapted, contributed, and made this place my home—with love, effort, and respect. And yes, I've had the most incredible friends and people here who made me feel like I belong. But then there's the other side—the small-minded, toxic corner that will always see me as an outsider, no matter what I do (sic)."
"Here's the thing: I've always been open, vocal, and woke. But if I choose not to speak about something, not to post about something—that's also my right. It's a human right. You don't get to tell me when to speak, what to say, or how to feel. That's not how it works (sic)," Karimi added.She also stated, "And now, let's talk facts. I'm proud of India. I'm proud of how far this country has come. I have deep respect for the Indian government—for what it's done to protect its borders, grow its economy, and stand tall on the global stage. This country has given me space, purpose, and pride. And instead of standing together in that spirit, some people just want to tear down, hate, and harass (sic)."advertisementHere is the post:The controversy arose following India's launch of 'Operation Sindoor' on Wednesday, where nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were destroyed. This tri-services operation by the Army, Navy, and Air Force was a response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. While many celebrities praised the operation and expressed pride in the Indian Armed Forces, Mandana Karimi's comments sparked outrage. Her post, which highlighted global conflicts and criticised imperialism, was met with severe criticism. Some users demanded her deportation, questioning her stay in India.Karimi has worked as an actor and model, with projects like 'Kya Cool Hai Hum 3' in her filmography. She has now quit acting.Must Watch