Pakistani actor Sana Nawaz, known for her work in both film and television, has called for artistic unity across borders, saying that "artists are ambassadors of peace" and "there are no boundaries for artists", a statement that has sparked debate amid rising Indo-Pak tensions.
Having previously worked in India and earned praise for her role in Sunny Deol's Kaafila, Sana is no stranger to cross-border collaboration. But in light of the current climate, where India has reportedly blocked Pakistani celebrities' Instagram accounts and erased actors like Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane, and Fawad Khan from Bollywood posters, Sana's comments have struck a nerve.
In a video circulating online, Sana emphasised that she doesn't believe in borders when it comes to art. "Artists spread love, not hate. That's what I believe in."
The actor also addressed the impossible expectations placed on actors when it comes to geopolitical issues. "Actors get bashed if they speak up," Sana mused. "And they get criticised even if they stay silent."
Her comments, however, were met with swift and harsh public criticism. One user wrote, "You're humiliating yourself by saying this." Another added, "Indian artists are supporting their army. You should, too, when people are dying due to Indian aggression."
Some users accused her of romanticising neutrality. "You can call what is wrong, wrong, even if you are an artist," one person commented. Another bluntly stated, "Artists do have some self respect."
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed the lives of 28, predominantly Hindu tourists. India attributed the assault to militant group The Resistance Front, alleging cross-border links.
Despite condemnation from the government of Pakistan for Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor and conducted missile strikes on military and civilian infrastructure in Pakistan. This military action was accompanied by a cultural crackdown: the Indian government instructed OTT platforms to remove Pakistan-origin content and blocked the Instagram accounts of Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir.
Additionally, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was ordered to block over 8,000 accounts, including those of Pakistani politicians and celebrities, within India.
The entertainment industry also took steps to sever cultural ties. Pakistani actors were removed from Bollywood film posters, and projects involving Pakistani talent have been shelved.
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