Avinash Mishra slams Mahira Khan, says ‘don’t come back asking for work’
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Mumbai: Actor and former Bigg Boss 18 contestant Avinash Mishra lashed out at Pakistani actor Mahira Khan over her comments condemning 'Operation Sindoor', India’s recent military action against Pakistan.
Mahira Khan, recognised for her work in both the Pakistani and Indian entertainment industries, shared a strongly worded statement on her Instagram account (currently suspended in India), condemning Operation Sindoor as “cowardly”.
In her post, she accused India of promoting 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 further added, “India, your war and hate rhetoric has continued for many years. Have seen and experienced it with my own eyes. Your media fans the flames of division. Your most powerful voices remain silent in the face of genocide and war crimes — silenced not by law, but by fear. And in that fear, you claim victory. But to me, that silence is your greatest defeat."
Mahira Khan’s remarks swiftly sparked backlash online, with Avinash Mishra emerging as one of her most vocal critics. Sharing Mahira’s post on his Instagram story, the Indian actor accused Mahira of hypocrisy and cautioned her against seeking work in India in the future.
“O Mahira Didi, we don’t need to blame Pakistanis, the whole world has seen the evidence. Now, after the situation improves, don’t come to India to ask for work. But you will have to give in to support your country. Here, some celebs have become traitors in terms of their reach and follower count. But don’t worry, their turn will come later.”
He also called out Indian celebrities for their silence following Operation Sindoor, accusing them of cowardice for not taking a stand.
“Celebrities from across the border – who built their fame on Indian audiences – now calling India’s action against terrorism ‘shameful’ and ‘cowardly’ is the height of hypocrisy,” he wrote. “Where are our celebrities now? If you cannot speak up for your country just to protect your ‘brand’ or follower count, don’t ever pretend to represent India. Silence isn’t neutral. It’s cowardice.”
This heated online exchange came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to India's retaliation through Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
