I don't take it personally'

Mawra talks resistance against Pakistani actors in Bollywood

In an interview with Times of India, Mawra Hocane shared her views on the hurdles faced by Pakistani artists when working on Indian films. "I don't take it personally. This is how the world works, right? I truly believe if it's meant to happen, it will," she said.

Mawra, who starred opposite Harshvardhan Rane in the 2016 Indian film Sanam Teri Kasam, added, "I block the noise around my work. I love to do what I do. So, I do not let these things affect me. It is truly the producer's headache, which is sad, but it is their problem. If I invest time into thinking about what's going to happen, I will always be restless."

Mawra's response comes after Fawad Khan's Bollywood comeback, Abir Gulaal, encountered significant opposition in Maharashtra. Last Thursday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, firmly objected to the film's release in the state due to Fawad's Pakistani nationality.

MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar squarely stated, "We only learned about this film's release today when the makers announced it. But we are making it clear that we will not allow this film to release in Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor. Under no circumstances will we permit such films to be released in the state."

Echoing similar sentiments, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam emphasised the prevailing anti-Pakistan sentiment in India. He remarked, "There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India. When a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. Even if a few people watch it out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India."

Abir Gulaal, which is directed by Aarti S Bagdi and also stars Vaani Kapoor, was filmed over a 40-day schedule in and around London. It is slated for release on May 9.

When asked if she has been in contact with Fawad as of late, Mawra said, "When my colleagues do well, we definitely reach out to each other. We wish each other luck. I truly wish the best for everyone. I hope this film does really well."

Well-acquainted

Unlike Fawad's multiple credits in Bollywood, Mawra has only done one film in India. But the Jafaa actor is no stranger to success in the neighbouring industry, even if it bloomed almost a decade late for her. Mawra's Bollywood debut Sanam Teri Kasam, which struggled at the box office in 2016, made a return to theatres in February after developing a significant following on OTT platforms.

Amid Mawra's wedding celebrations, the film emerged as the highest-grossing Indian re-release to date, garnering acclaim from Bollywood luminaries including Anil Kapoor and Vidya Balan.

Reflecting on this reception in her interview, she said, "It was the best time of my life because it was also the weekend I was getting married. The only thing that I wish I could have done is experience the audience's love in the theatres. It was truly something I could not believe for a couple of days. My producer and everyone from my team were constantly updating me. They would send me pictures of the billboards and the screenings, and it was extremely sweet. I hope we see better days at the cinemas."

When asked if she would like to do more projects in Bollywood based on her film's newfound success, Mawra said, "I've never thought about why I am not able to do this or that. I'm extremely grateful that I did something nine years ago and it's being celebrated again. So, my most dominant emotion right now is just a lot of gratitude. I would love to do movies in India if the conditions allow. I would like to be a part of more movies like Sanam Teri Kasam and work in Mumbai because it was such a beautiful experience."

In demand

Fresh out of her marriage with lucky charm Ameer Gilani, Mawra starred in the music video for Indian singer Akhil Sachdeva's song Tu Chaand Hai on Friday. The video spotlights the artists in stunning, sunny locations, with Mawra twirling in between shots.

Announcing the cross-border collaboration on Instagram last Wednesday, she wrote, "Tu Chaand Hai – a special one from us to you. So excited to share this beautiful melody with you all, sung by the most talented Akhil Sachdeva. I can't wait for you to hear it. Releasing April 4, exclusively on Novice Records. Stay tuned."

In a statement to Times of India, she said, "Music videos have always fascinated me, and I couldn't have asked for a better song coming my way. Tu Chaand Hai is pure magic, and working with the team has been an incredible experience. I can't wait for my fans to see this beautiful journey unfold."