Rupali Ganguly Criticises Fawad Khan Over Remarks on India's Operation Sindoor

Indian television actor Rupali Ganguly has voiced strong criticism against Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for his reported comments on India's successful counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor. Taking to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Rupali referenced Fawad's earlier work in Bollywood and expressed her disapproval of his recent stance.

Reposting Fawad Khan’s remarks, she wrote, "You working in Indian films was also 'shameful' for us." She further amplified her views using hashtags such as #OperationSindoor, #IndianArmy, and #IndianAirForce.

Rupali’s comments alluded to Fawad Khan’s past association with Indian cinema, where he starred in notable films including Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. These films had marked his successful crossover into Bollywood before bilateral tensions led to restrictions on Pakistani talent in the Indian film industry.

The controversy has gained momentum in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of several Indian soldiers. In response, the Indian armed forces launched retaliatory airstrikes on May 7, targeting nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan in an operation dubbed “Operation Sindoor.”

Amid the escalating tensions, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also issued a strong statement condemning Fawad Khan for what they labelled as "anti-India" comments. The association reiterated its call for a strict ban on Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment.

In their official release, the association stated that Fawad Khan was "supporting divisive narratives" instead of condemning terrorism. They further added that his remarks were "disrespectful to the nation" and "an insult to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country."

AICWA affirmed that its position remains unchanged regarding Pakistani involvement in Indian media, stating, "No Indian artist will collaborate with any Pakistani talent, nor will any global platform be shared with them."

The backlash has also impacted the release of Fawad Khan’s upcoming Bollywood project Abir Gulaal, which was initially scheduled to release on May 9. Following the recent tensions, the release has been put on indefinite hold.