Mumbai: Indian television actor and Bigg Boss 18 contestant Avinash Mishra has publicly criticised Pakistani actress Mahira Khan following her remarks condemning India’s recent military operation – Operation Sindoor.
The operation, carried out by Indian armed forces on 7 May, targeted nine terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It was a direct response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives.
Mahira Khan, renowned for her work in both Pakistani and Indian entertainment industries, shared a sharply-worded post on her Instagram account (which is currently suspended in India), describing Operation Sindoor as “cowardly”.
In her post, she accused India of fostering a culture of war and hatred, stating, “You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you.” She went on to allege that Indian media incites division and criticised Indian celebrities for remaining silent “in the face of genocide and war crimes”.
Her comments sparked immediate backlash online, with Avinash Mishra emerging as one of the most vocal critics. Taking to his Instagram story, the Indian actor accused Mahira of hypocrisy and warned her against seeking work in India in future.
“O Mahira didi, we don’t need to blame Pakistan, the world has already seen the evidence,” he wrote. “Once the situation calms down, don’t come asking for work in BHARAT.”
He added, “Kudos to you for standing by your country — at least you’re not a traitor like some of our celebrities who value followers and popularity over patriotism. Don’t worry, their time will come too.”
Avinash didn’t limit his criticism to Mahira alone. He also lambasted Indian celebrities for their silence following Operation Sindoor, accusing them of lacking courage.
“Celebrities from across the border — who rose to fame thanks to Indian audiences — are now calling India’s action against terrorism ‘shameful’ and ‘cowardly’. That’s the height of hypocrisy,” he wrote. “And where are our own celebrities? If you can’t speak up for your country just to maintain your ‘brand’ or social media reach, then don’t pretend to represent India. Silence is not neutrality — it’s cowardice.”
The heated exchange comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory strike.
