Our Bureau
Mumbai
Popular Indian television actress Hina Khan has found herself at the center of a social media storm after expressing support for India following the recent Pahalgam attack. The actress, who is currently battling cancer, revealed that she has received a barrage of abusive messages, threats, and unfollows from her Pakistani fans in response to her patriotic statements.
Khan, known for her roles in hit TV shows and her positive rapport with fans across borders, took to Instagram to address the backlash. She stated that her support for her country has led to a wave of online abuse, including insults targeting her illness, family, and religion. “I am an artist, and I have only shown love to people across the border my entire life. Before and after Operation Sindoor, many of you abused and cursed me for supporting my country; many unfollowed me. Not only that, many are threatening to unfollow me. These threats are accompanied by abuse, obscene, and insulting words that only show hatred,” Khan wrote.
The controversy erupted after Khan expressed grief over the loss of an Indian life in the Pahalgam attack and shared her happiness regarding India’s Operation Sindoor. Her comments, intended as an expression of national solidarity, were met with anger and disappointment from a section of her Pakistani followers.
Despite the backlash, Khan stood firm in her stance. “I will always be Indian first. So, you can unfollow me, I don’t care. I haven’t said anything bad about any of you; I have only supported my country,” she asserted in her post. She also appealed for humanity and mutual respect, emphasizing that she has always treated her fans with kindness, regardless of nationality.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by public figures in the digital age, especially when expressing national sentiments during times of heightened tension. As the situation between India and Pakistan remains sensitive, Khan’s experience underscores the complex relationship between celebrities, and their diverse fan bases on social media.
