What’s really going on between India and Pakistan this time? And why are some of Pakistan’s biggest stars suddenly disappearing from Indian Instagram feeds?
In a move that’s raised eyebrows across South Asia, the Indian government has blocked the Instagram accounts of several high-profile Pakistani celebrities. Names like Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas and Sajal Aly have all been hit. Indian users attempting to access these profiles are met with a message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
But here’s the catch—accounts of stars like Fawad Khan and Wahaj Ali remain visible. So, why the selective targeting?
The crackdown comes in the wake of the Pahalgam attack on April 22 in Indian-occupied Kashmir, where 26 tourists tragically lost their lives. Without presenting solid evidence, India pointed fingers at Pakistan, escalating tensions yet again.
The result? A digital cold war. This is not just about social media—it’s about cultural censorship. Indian audiences have long admired Pakistani talent. Shows, songs and films from across the border have built loyal fanbases. Now, that shared space is being dismantled.
Reports suggest that Hania Aamir has been dropped from a Bollywood project with Diljit Dosanjh. And the ripple effect doesn’t stop there. Fawad Khan’s much-awaited romantic drama Abir Gulaal, slated for release on May 9, has reportedly been pulled from Indian platforms.
Enter Sunny Deol, a Bollywood veteran known for his nationalist roles. Surprisingly, he defended Fawad Khan’s participation in Abir Gulaal. In an interview with HT City, Sunny said, “We are actors, we work for everyone all over the world. Even if somebody is watching on Mars… we are for everyone.”
But not everyone agrees.
The MNS has threatened to block screenings of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra, while Ashoke Pandit, head of the Indian Film and TV Directors’ Association, warned of protests against Fawad’s comeback. Pandit declared that hosting a Pakistani artist in Indian cinema is unacceptable, especially after the latest incident in Kashmir.
Despite this backlash, a 2023 Bombay High Court ruling rejected a formal ban on Pakistani talent, insisting that art should remain apolitical.
While the Indian side is reacting with bans and protests, the Pakistani side isn’t staying quiet either. Veteran actress Mishi Khan publicly slammed celebrities like Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir for being quick to condemn the Kashmir incident, but staying silent on tragedies in Pakistan.
“Where is your dignity?” she asked in a fiery video posted on social media. She accused them of prioritizing Bollywood dreams over national pride, suggesting their silence is motivated by career gains.
Her comments struck a nerve. Similar to her, a large number of individuals on X (previously Twitter) questioned the stars’ loyalty and accused them of hypocrisy.
This isn’t new. After the Uri attack in 2016, India imposed a blanket ban on Pakistani artists in its entertainment industry. While things briefly thawed in 2023, leading to collaborations like Abir Gulaal, the recent attack seems to have reignited the ban.
In fact, FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) has now reaffirmed its ban on Pakistani artists, issuing a strong statement after the Pahalgam tragedy.
Pakistani actors and musicians have carved out a niche in Indian hearts. From Zindagi Gulzar Hai to Coke Studio, Pakistani content has captivated millions.
However, repeated bans are chipping away at years of cultural progress. Under Modi’s regime, there’s been a steady rise in anti-Pakistan narratives in Bollywood. Films like Raazi, Shershaah, Pathaan and The Kashmir Files have drawn criticism for being propaganda tools.
Vogue Vocal is shocked that in the age of VPNs and global streaming, can a country truly silence a voice across the border? Or is this just symbolic censorship that fuels curiosity even more?
And for fans in India—what happens when your favorite actors, singers and storytellers are removed from your feeds without warning? The digital divide is growing. Whether it’s politics, patriotism or pressure—art, once again, finds itself in the crossfire.
Vogue Vocal thinks this isn’t just a political move. It’s a cultural rift. One that threatens to erase the shared artistic legacy between two nations forever. Will reason prevail—or are we witnessing the start of a digital partition between India and Pakistan?
The Fashion and Style enthusiast with a flair for drama and entertainment! A millennial on the lookout for the trending styles inspired by and believes in: “You can get anything in life if you have the right dress for it!” Adding a little magic through the power of words and not holding back on fashion and styling opinions! Let’s connect to stay on top of trend alerts and the who is who of Fashion world and get inspired to give your personality the styling oomph you’ve been craving for! Nageen Abbas at Vogue Vocal is the brains behind our Woke Vogue and Lifestyle Library!
