Published by: Sourav Kumar
Updated on: Saturday, 26 Apr 2025
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan faces severe backlash for deleting her Instagram post condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. Read full details about the controversy and reactions from Indian netizens.
Mahira Khan Sparks Outrage After Deleting Condemnation Post on Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a move that has triggered massive outrage across Indian social media, Pakistani actress Mahira Khan — who made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees — is under fire for deleting her Instagram story condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. The incident, which occurred on April 22, saw a group of terrorists, linked to the TRF (The Resistance Front), gun down 26 innocent civilians and injure several others in Kashmir.
What Happened?
On April 24, Mahira Khan shared a story on her Instagram stating:
“Violence anywhere in the world, in any form, is an act of mere cowardice. My condolences to all those affected by the Pahalgam attack.”
However, by the next morning, Mahira had quietly deleted the post, a move that has enraged Indian netizens. Many called her out for being “selective” and “hypocritical” in her stance on violence.
Adding to the controversy, Mahira’s action comes amid heightened tensions following the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s re-emphasis on a ban on Pakistani actors and crew in Indian cinema.
Netizens’ Furious Reactions
Indian social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, have been flooded with criticisms. Many users accused Mahira Khan of pandering to different audiences based on convenience, questioning the sincerity of her original condemnation.
Hashtags like #MahiraKhanExposed, #BoycottPakArtists, and #JusticeForPahalgamVictims have been trending.
Hania Aamir Also Faces Heat
It’s not just Mahira Khan. Another Pakistani actress, Hania Aamir, known for her active engagement with Bollywood content on social media, has also drawn criticism. Hania condemned the Pahalgam attack but is being accused of “pandering” to Indian audiences, especially given her upcoming Bollywood debut alongside Diljit Dosanjh in a film scheduled for release in June 2025.
With the current political and emotional atmosphere, the fate of Hania’s Bollywood debut looks uncertain.
Industry Response
Following the Pahalgam tragedy, the Indian entertainment industry has shown solidarity with the victims:
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Promotional events, film screenings, and pre-release shows have been postponed.
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Major Bollywood figures have condemned the attack and demanded strict action against perpetrators.
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Renewed calls for a permanent ban on Pakistani artists in Indian projects have resurfaced.
The Pahalgam attack is now considered one of the deadliest assaults in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, reigniting public outrage and nationalist sentiments across the country.
FAQs
1. What did Mahira Khan post about the Pahalgam attack?
Mahira Khan initially condemned the Pahalgam terror attack through an Instagram story, expressing condolences to the victims and labeling violence as cowardice.
2. Why did Mahira Khan delete her post?
The reason remains unclear, but Mahira Khan deleted her post just hours after uploading it, leading to accusations of hypocrisy and selective activism from Indian social media users.
3. What is the Pahalgam terror attack?
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist group affiliated with TRF (a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot) opened fire on unarmed tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killing 26 civilians and injuring several others.
4. Is there a ban on Pakistani actors in India?
Yes, since the 2016 Uri attack, and more stringently after the 2019 Pulwama bombing, there has been an informal but widely observed ban on Pakistani actors and crew working in Indian films.
5. Who else besides Mahira Khan is facing backlash?
Pakistani actress Hania Aamir is also facing criticism for her social media activity, particularly given her close association with Indian celebrities and her upcoming Bollywood debut.
Conclusion
The tragic events of Pahalgam have left deep scars on the Indian consciousness, and any perceived insensitivity or inconsistency from public figures is unlikely to go unnoticed. Mahira Khan’s controversial action has reopened debates about cross-border collaborations and the sincerity of celebrity activism during times of national grief.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear — netizens are demanding genuine, unwavering solidarity, not half-hearted gestures.
