In a fiery turn of events that has sparked a storm on social media, acclaimed Indian actress Rupali Ganguly has slammed Pakistani actor Fawad Khan over a controversial post he shared regarding Operation Sindoor, a fictional military drama that recently premiered to much fanfare in India.
The Controversy
Fawad Khan, best known for his cross-border popularity and performances in Indian films like Kapoor & Sons and Khoobsurat, found himself at the center of a backlash after he posted a message on his official Instagram handle criticizing Operation Sindoor for allegedly promoting “anti-Pakistan sentiment under the garb of patriotism.” His post further stated that “art should unite, not divide,” and called the project “dangerous propaganda.”
The post, which was later deleted, did not go unnoticed.
Rupali Ganguly Hits Back
Rupali Ganguly, celebrated for her role in the hit television series Anupamaa, did not mince her words in her response. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:
“Shameful and disappointing. @TheFawadKhan, when you worked in Indian films, you were showered with love and respect. But when Indian artists depict the courage of our soldiers in fictional stories like Operation Sindoor, suddenly it’s propaganda? Art should unite—but not at the cost of truth and integrity.”
In follow-up interviews, Ganguly emphasized that Operation Sindoor is a tribute to the valor and sacrifices of the Indian armed forces. “It’s a dramatized narrative, yes—but the emotions, the courage, and the spirit are very real,” she said.
Online Reactions
Social media has since exploded with reactions. While many praised Rupali Ganguly for standing up for the Indian armed forces, others debated the thin line between patriotism and political sensitivity in entertainment.
Hashtags like #StandWithRupali and #OperationSindoor began trending, and fans flooded comment sections with both support and criticism, reflecting the polarized nature of the issue.
Industry Support
Several figures from the Indian television and film industry have shown solidarity with Ganguly. Actor Ronit Roy tweeted, “Our stories are ours to tell. If someone finds them offensive, perhaps it says more about them than us.”
Conclusion
The clash between Rupali Ganguly and Fawad Khan underscores the complexities of cross-border cultural exchange in a politically charged atmosphere. While both sides argue from the perspective of artistic expression and national sentiment, the incident has once again highlighted how sensitive the intersection of entertainment and politics can be.
As Operation Sindoor continues to garner viewership and spark conversations, one thing is clear: art does have power—but how that power is wielded remains up for debate.
