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Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mahira: Been there, done that
While Mahira Khan is fully booked on the home front, with her new film Love Guru opposite Humayun Saeed hitting screens this Eidul Azha, one question keeps following her across borders: Will she ever return to Bollywood? During a promotional event for Love Guru in the US, the question came up once again. Her answer was calm, layered, and unmistakably grounded in love for her country. "I think we need to focus inwards; we need to focus on our own industry," Mahira began, addressing the fan's query head-on. "I'm someone who doesn't believe in the cancel culture or boycotts. I'm speaking broadly, I don't think it's the right approach." It was a carefully worded reply, but not without heart. Mahira acknowledged the emotional complexity of the current political moment. "Given the current situation, we're all emotional. Instead of advocating such strong stances, which becomes one's prerogative because of circumstances, we should focus on ourselves." She didn't rule out the idea of cross-border work, but her emphasis was clear. "In the end, it's your country which is your safe space. I believe we should invest in ourselves, in Pakistan." The internet, predictably, had a lot to say. Some fans felt her response was too soft. Others applauded her maturity and nuance. "She's absolutely right," one user commented. "We should uplift our own cinema." Another wrote, "She didn't slam anyone, she just said what needed to be said." Many pointed to her Bollywood past, her 2017 debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, which was widely praised despite its timing amid rising IndiaPakistan tensions. Since then, Mahira has firmly planted her feet in the local scene, and it's safe to say she's thrived. For now, Mahira is focused on Love Guru, her continued stardom in Pakistan, and supporting an industry she believes in. Whether she returns to Bollywood someday remains an open question, but she's made it clear where her heart lies. As she puts it: "Your country is your safe space." Earlier this month, Mahira's presence was quietly scrubbed from Raees promotions during India's digital war on Pakistan following tensions. After similar erasures of Mawra Hocane and Fawad Khan from their Bollywood projects, Mahira is the latest Pakistani actor to be digitally sidelined. The cover of the iconic Raees song Zaalima, where she once stood beside Shah Rukh, now features him alone. Even the album art has been updated to remove her. Real-life 'love guru' In the midst of weighty political panels and cinematic chatter, Mahira brought a welcome dose of levity. When a fan asked who they'd trust for real-life love advice, she immediately pointed to herself. Humayun laughed and nodded: "Definitely her. She's great at talking." "Just talking?" she teased. "No, no," he backpedaled, "for giving advice!" Mahira grinned: "Exactly. Don't go to him." It was classic Mahira, sharp, funny, and completely at ease with her long-time co-star. The easy camaraderie between the two only added to the excitement around Love Guru. Also attracting buzz was Mahira's fashion at Love Guru promotional events. For her standout look at the event, the star wore a royal blue traditional ensemble by Misha Lakhani. The organza outfit featured intricate zardozi and silk thread embroidery, paired with a crushed silk anarkali and a delicately detailed dupatta, creating a silhouette that was both regal and effortless. The look was elevated further with chunky earrings and studded, silver, closed-toe heels.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane removed from 'Sanam Teri Kasam' album covers on music app; Harshvardhan Rane reacts
Pakistani artists are being removed from Indian music albums and film posters amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. Mawra Hocane's image was erased from Sanam Teri Kasam covers, while Mahira Khan was removed from Raees artwork. Producer Deepak Mukut was unaware, and Harshvardhan Rane called it 'common sense.' Pakistani artists are facing exclusion beyond just social media, as their presence is being erased from Indian music albums too. Movies that included talent from across the border are quietly editing out these actors from posters, album covers, and other related materials. Deepak Mukut Responds On Monday, it came to light that the ' Sanam Teri Kasam ' album, originally showcasing both Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane , now displays only Harshvardhan. Hocane's image has been removed from the album covers on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. When contacted, the film's producer Deepak Mukut stated he was unaware of this change, adding, 'They didn't ask me, it's their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.' Harshvardhan Rane Responds to the Removal Regarding the situation, Harshvardhan told Hindustan Times, 'Now they will say that my PR team got this done! No, it's again common sense I assume, weeding is being exercised.' Similar Edits Seen in Other Films A similar situation has occurred with the romantic track "Zaalima" from the 2017 movie 'Raees', starring Shah Rukh Khan and Pakistani actress Mahira Khan. On platforms like YouTube, YouTube Music, and Spotify, the album artwork now shows only Shah Rukh, with Mahira's image completely removed. Film Industry's Response to Rising Tensions Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, authorities have strengthened measures to exclude Pakistani artists from Indian entertainment projects. After the Pahalgam terror attacks, India responded decisively by prohibiting Pakistani content on streaming services and OTT platforms nationwide.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mawra Hocane REMOVED from Sanam Teri Kasam's poster on music apps, Harshvardhan Rane, Deepak Mukut react
Not just their social media accounts- there's no place for Pakistani artists on even our music albums it seems. Indian films featuring actors from across the border have quietly started removing them from the film's assets. It was noticed on Monday that the album of Sanam Teri Kasam, which featured both actors Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane now only features him. She has been removed from the film's album's covers on Spotify and YouTube Music. When we reached out to the film's producer Deepak Mukut, he said he had no knowledge about this, 'They didn't ask me, it's their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.' As for Harshvardhan, he tells HT City, 'Now they will say that my PR team got this done! No, its again common sense I assume, weeding is being exercised.' The same has been observed with Zaalima, a romantic number filmed on Shah Rukh Khan and Pakistani actor Mahira Khan for the 2017 film Raees. The album cover across YouTube, YouTube Music and Spotify all have no trace of Mahira, and feature SRK solo. This is being seen as a crackdown on the presence of Pakistani artists in Indian projects, in light of the recent tensions between India and the neighbouring country. India retaliated strongly to the terrorist attacks carried out in Pahalgam, and even Pakistani content was banned on streaming and OTT platforms in India.
