In a fiery outburst that has quickly gone viral, a contestant from the upcoming season of Bigg Boss 18 has strongly criticized Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, warning her against seeking work in India. The controversy erupted following Mahira Khan’s social media activity, where she reportedly made remarks critical of India in the wake of “Operation Sindoor,” the Indian Army’s recent action against terrorist hideouts.
Avinash Mishra, known for his outspoken nature and participation in the highly anticipated reality show, took to his social media to voice his displeasure. Sharing a screenshot of Mahira Khan’s alleged post, Mishra didn’t mince words, directly addressing the actress and cautioning her against any future professional endeavors in India.
“O Mahira Didi,” Mishra’s post read, “we don’t need to blame Pakistanis, the whole world has seen the evidence. Now, after the situation improves, don’t come to India to ask for work. But 1 kudos to you for supporting your country.” He further took a dig at some Indian celebrities, labeling them “traitors” for not taking a firm stance in support of their nation. Â
Mishra didn’t stop there. In a subsequent post, he expressed his disappointment with celebrities from across the border who gained fame in India but are now allegedly calling India’s counter-terrorism efforts “shameful” and “cowardly.” He questioned the silence of Indian celebrities on the matter, suggesting that their reluctance to speak up for their country, possibly to protect their brand or follower count, is a form of “cowardice.”
This strong reaction from the Bigg Boss 18 contestant comes at a time of heightened tensions and a renewed call within India to distance from Pakistani artists. Earlier, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also issued a statement condemning Mahira Khan and actor Fawad Khan for their reported anti-India remarks, reiterating their stance against allowing Pakistani talent to work in the Indian film and media industry. AICWA emphasized that such statements disrespect the nation and insult the sacrifices of soldiers who have fought against terrorism.
Mahira Khan, who made her Bollywood debut in the 2017 film “Raees” opposite Shah Rukh Khan, has faced scrutiny in India previously due to political tensions between the two countries. While there have been instances where Pakistani films have seen limited releases in India, the overall climate for cross-border collaborations remains sensitive, particularly in light of recent events.
The strong words from Avinash Mishra are likely to fuel further debate regarding the involvement of Pakistani artists in the Indian entertainment industry. As Bigg Boss 18 approaches, this controversy has already put one of its contestants in the spotlight, highlighting the intersection of entertainment, national sentiment, and current affairs. It remains to be seen how this will impact Mahira Khan’s future prospects in India and the broader discourse surrounding cultural exchange amidst political complexities.