Pakistani actress Mahira Khan trolled for saying she ‘laughed' off Raees poster removal: 'Do you even have any other option?'

Time of India

26-05-2025

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has once again come under fire after reacting to her photo being removed from the poster of Shah Rukh Khan's Raees. She said she 'laughed' about it and didn't feel bad. The comment, paired with her criticism of India's recent Operation Sindoor, has sparked backlash online among Indian netizens.
For the unversed, Mahira's poster removal came following renewed political tension between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack last month and India's counter-offensive, Operation Sindoor, earlier this month. As sentiments between both countries hardened, Bollywood took a stand with the nation, clearly distancing itself from Pakistani artists, quietly scrubbing images of Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane, and Fawad Khan from promotional materials of their respective films — Raees, Sanam Teri Kasam, and Kapoor & Sons.
Mahira Khan calls Indian military operation 'cowardly'
The controversy intensified when Mahira reposted a tweet by Pakistani writer Fatima Bhutto, which condemned India's military strikes. Mahira added to it, writing on Instagram, 'Seriously cowardly!!! May Allah protect our country; may common sense prevail. Ameen.'
The statement angered many Indian fans, especially those who had appreciated her work with Shah Rukh Khan. Some accused her of hypocrisy and exploiting Bollywood fame while simultaneously denouncing India.
'Laughed about it': Mahira Khan on Raees poster removal
In a new interview, Mahira addressed the Raees poster controversy, claiming she wasn't hurt by it and found the entire situation amusing.
'I didn't feel bad about it, even for a second. I actually laughed about it. It doesn't matter—it was a very small thing to do. It was a silly thing to do and I don't feel bad about it,' she said.
When asked whether she would work in Bollywood again, Mahira said, 'I think we need to focus inwards; we need to focus on our own industry. I'm someone who doesn't believe in the cancel culture or boycotts. I'm speaking broadly. But given the current situation, we're all emotional. Instead of advocating such strong stances, which is one's prerogative—we should focus on ourselves. We should invest in us (in Pakistan).'
Social media slams Mahira: 'Why are you even discussing it?'
Netizens were quick to respond to Mahira's remarks, calling them dismissive and insincere. One user wrote, 'She's the brand ambassador of chatukaari.' Another commented, 'Your laugh has a pain in it.' Others criticised her for continuing to mention Bollywood while condemning it: 'Then why are you even discussing it?' and 'You can't promote your film without mentioning Bollywood.'
Mahira Khan's Bollywood debut
Mahira Khan debuted in Bollywood with Raees in 2017, starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Directed by Rahul Dholakia, the action-drama also featured Nawazuddin Siddiqui and performed well at the box office. However, due to the ban on Pakistani artists following the Uri attack, Mahira was not allowed to promote the film in India. She has not taken part in any Indian productions since.