Popular Indian television actress Rupali Ganguly has sparked a fresh wave of public discourse after she took a bold stand against Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s controversial remarks regarding India’s precision military strike, Operation Sindoor. The much-loved Anupamaa star didn’t hold back as she strongly condemned Fawad Khan’s statement calling India’s counter-attack “shameful,” following the tragic terror incident in Pahalgam.
Rupali Ganguly Reacts Strongly to Fawad Khan’s Statement
Rupali Ganguly, known for her powerful onscreen presence and outspoken personality off-screen, took to her social media account on X (formerly Twitter) on May 7, 2025, to voice her displeasure at Fawad Khan’s anti-India comment. The Pakistani actor had posted a message expressing condolences for those killed or injured in the precision strike carried out by Indian forces. However, his choice of words — describing Operation Sindoor as a “shameful attack” — did not sit well with many Indians, including Rupali Ganguly.
Quoting Fawad’s post, Rupali wrote:
“You working in Indian films was also ‘shameful’ for us.”
This single line from Rupali sparked widespread attention and drew both support and criticism across social media. Many users lauded her for taking a firm nationalist stand, while some questioned the escalating cultural tensions between the two nations.
Fawad Khan’s Controversial Post on Operation Sindoor
Fawad Khan, who gained immense popularity in India through films like Khoobsurat and Kapoor & Sons, shared his opinion on India’s surgical strikes, referring to them as “shameful” and urging people to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric. His message read:
“My deepest condolences to the families of those injured and killed in this shameful attack. I pray for the souls of the deceased and strength for their loved ones in the days to come. A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It is not worth the lives of innocent people. May better sense prevail. InshaAllah. Pakistan Zindabad!”
This statement was perceived by many in India as insensitive and an indirect attempt to shift focus away from the Pahalgam terror attack that led to the deaths of innocent civilians and Indian soldiers.
AICWA Issues a Strong Rebuttal
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) wasted no time in reacting to the controversy. The organization issued a strongly worded statement condemning Fawad Khan and fellow Pakistani actress Mahira Khan — who also labeled India’s actions as “seriously cowardly.” AICWA criticized the artists for failing to denounce terrorism and instead vilifying India’s response to the Pahalgam attack.
AICWA’s official statement read:
“The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemns the anti-India statements made by Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and actor Fawad Khan, who have openly criticised India and questioned the nation’s actions in defence of its sovereignty.”
The statement continued, emphasizing the need for a cultural boycott:
“These statements are not just disrespectful to our nation but also an insult to the countless innocent lives lost due to terrorism and the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country. AICWA reaffirms its strict and complete ban on Pakistani artists, filmmakers, and financiers working in India.”
They concluded by stating that no Indian artist or filmmaker would be allowed to collaborate with any Pakistani talent and demanded that global platforms also refrain from promoting them.
The Fallout and Public Reaction
The online clash between Rupali Ganguly and Fawad Khan has once again brought the topic of cross-border artistic collaborations into the spotlight. While Indian audiences once welcomed Pakistani actors with open arms, repeated geopolitical tensions have strained the cultural ties between the two nations.
Many netizens supported Rupali for standing up against what they viewed as a misrepresentation of India’s counter-terrorism operations. Supporters praised her courage to call out a foreign celebrity on a sensitive issue concerning national security.
On the other hand, some voices expressed concern over the growing intolerance and polarization between Indian and Pakistani artists, urging both countries to maintain civility and focus on peace.
Conclusion
The Rupali Ganguly vs. Fawad Khan debate has ignited a wider conversation about patriotism, freedom of speech, and the responsibilities of celebrities in addressing politically sensitive issues. As the dust settles, one thing is clear — emotions are running high, and the Indian entertainment industry is drawing strict lines on who they choose to collaborate with.