Television actress Ashi Singh hit back strongly at Pakistani actress Mahira Khan after the latter condemned India's recent Operation Sindoor. The mission, conducted by Indian forces on May 7, targeted nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Mahira had called the Indian operation 'cowardly,' writing, "India, your war and hate rhetoric has continued for many years… You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you." She had also alleged that Pakistan was being blamed without evidence.
In response, on May 11, Ashi took to her Instagram stories, where she didn’t hold back. In a strongly worded post, she wrote, "Coming from a country that hosted Osama in its backyard, trained terrorists in camps, and cried innocent after 26/11, Kargil, and Pulwama - that's rich. Spare us the lecture and ask some sensible questions to your nation (where you CAN have a voice). India doesn't celebrate war, we respond when provoked. #JaiHind."
The Meet: Badlegi Duniya Ki Reet actress also shared screenshots of hateful and threatening messages she received from Pakistani users following her post.
Reacting to the backlash, Ashi further stated, "To all my dear Pak fans flooding my DMs with love, I genuinely feel sorry for you. Not just because you're misinformed, but because you choose to be. Instagram chalana aata hai, toh thoda Google bhi try kar lo."
Ashi added, "Start here: Who started Kargil after the Lahore peace talks? Where was Osama found? Who trained the 26/11 attackers? Why does your awam say 'no electricity, no jobs, but nukes zindabad'? Still think your hands are clean? Try international media - not just what you're fed. That is, if opening your eyes isn't too exhausting. With love and facts, A Proud Indian."
It may be noted that on May 8, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued a statement criticising Pakistani actors Mahira and Fawad Khan, demanding a complete ban on Pakistani artists in India. The association said their remarks were "disrespectful to the nation" and "an insult to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country."
AICWA stated that it maintains a "strict and complete ban" on Pakistani artists, filmmakers and financiers from working in India. "No Indian artist will collaborate with any Pakistani talent, nor will any global platform be shared with them," the statement read.
