Harshvardhan Rane has responded after Pakistani actor and Sanam Teri Kasam (2016) co-star Mawra Hocane called his decision to not work in the film’s sequel a “PR strategy”. Speaking to us, the actor asserts, “I am not interested in discussing the cast of that film at this point. An individual has given a statement against my country.”

Amid escalating tensions, Harshvardhan had earlier stated that he was not interested in working on a potential sequel if the cast were to remain the same. He elaborates, “If I was a cricketer, I would choose whether or not I want to play cricket with that player. If I was a passenger I would choose whether or not I want to travel with that person. I am well within my rights to choose not to work with actors who label my country’s actions as ‘cowardly’.”

The actor adds, “Such a demeaning remark calls for a reply, but I trust Indian Army for that. I don’t need to attack, I’d rather retract within my capacity, within my job profile.”