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Mawra Hocane has spoken out against the renewed sense of animosity Pakistani artists are facing in India amidst the Abir Gulaal row.

In an interview with the Times of India, the Sanam Teri Kasam actor addressed the political backlash to cross-border collaborations and expressed hope for a less hostile future.

Her comments come as Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, faces threats from right-wing political parties in India. Both the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Shiv Sena have vowed to block the film’s release in Maharashtra, while the chief of the Indian Film and TV Directors’ Association has warned of protests over Khan’s casting.

Making it clear that she refuses to internalise the negativity that often surrounds Pakistani artists working across the border, Hocane said, “I don’t take it personally. This is how the world works, right? I truly believe if it’s meant to happen, it will. I block the noise around my work. I love to do what I do. So, I do not let these things affect me.”

She acknowledged that such political and bureaucratic roadblocks make things more difficult — but not necessarily for the artist.

“It is truly the producer’s headache, which is sad, but it is their problem. If I invest my mind into thinking, ‘Oh, what’s going to happen’, I will always be restless,” she said, hinting at the frustration many artists feel about the stalled cultural ties between India and Pakistan since 2016.

Hocane, who recently featured in the Hindi music video ‘Tu Chaand Hai’ by Akhil Sachdeva, also shared her support for Khan, who is returning to Indian screens with Abir Gulaal.

“When my colleagues do well, we definitely reach out to each other,” she revealed. “We wish each other luck. I truly wish the best for everyone. I hope this film does really well.”

With the re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam this year, which coincided with her and Ameer Gilani’s wedding weekend, Hocane found herself unexpectedly back in the Indian spotlight — nearly a decade after her Bollywood debut.

“I’m extremely grateful that I did something nine years ago and it’s being celebrated again,” she shared. “I would love to do movies in India if the conditions allow. I would want to be a part of more movies like Sanam Teri Kasam and work in Mumbai because it was such a beautiful experience.”

Though cautious, she shared, “I hope we see better days at the cinema.”

Despite objections, there is no official government ban on Pakistani artists working in India. In 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking a complete ban on Pakistani artists. However, the lack of a clear policy continues to create confusion.

Despite the controversy, Abir Gulaal is scheduled to release on May 9. However, whether it will see a smooth run in Indian theatres remains uncertain as political and industry opposition continues to mount.