Kangana Ranaut has become the center of controversy after Pakistani actress Hira Mani responded pointedly to her comments amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The sharp exchange unfolded following India’s Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 as a direct response to a brutal attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, leaving 26 civilians dead. As public outrage surged, both nations witnessed a heated war of words between celebrities, with Kangana Ranaut’s statements on social media igniting widespread debate and prompting a charged reaction from across the border.
The root of these mounting tensions can be traced to the terror attack in Kashmir, where, according to reports, victims were questioned about their religion before being shot, thrusting the nation into mourning and sparking national condemnation. India swiftly retaliated through Operation Sindoor, targeting and destroying nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, in an announced effort to curb persistent cross-border violence. The collective mood among Indian citizens leaned strongly in favor of the military operation, with public figures and the broader online community commending the armed forces for their swift and decisive response.
As the dust from these cross-border events was still settling, high-profile celebrities from both India and Pakistan began voicing their opinions online. Some Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Urwa Hocane, and Sana Javed, attracted criticism for sharing anti-India views on popular social media sites. Meanwhile, within India, Kangana Ranaut emerged prominently with her controversial post, describing Pakistan as a “nasty nation full of terrorists” and advocating for its complete removal from the global map. Furthermore, Kangana Ranaut intensified the rhetoric by referring to Pakistanis as “bloody cockroaches,” a statement that drew immediate, fierce reactions from users not only in India and Pakistan but also beyond.
The backlash gained further traction when a Pakistani social media page, seeking to amplify Pakistani voices, spotlighted actress Hira Mani’s response. Hira Mani did not hold back, referring to Kangana Ranaut as a “chipkali,” translating to “lizard” in English, and went on to reference Kangana’s previous much-publicized spat with Hrithik Roshan. Hira Mani’s full statement read,
The charged reply quickly gained traction, with thousands of users reacting and commenting, deepening the scope of the ongoing virtual clash.
While Kangana Ranaut has yet to issue an official response to Hira Mani’s attack, the incident swiftly polarized social media. Many fans of Kangana Ranaut confronted Hira Mani in the comments section of various posts, while others discussed the feud’s implications in light of current events. One Instagram user sarcastically commented,
while another remarked on the behavior of Pakistani celebrities, questioning the strategy of using personal attacks and escalating drama during already tense times.
Hira Mani, a prominent Pakistani actress, singer, and television host, has long been in the public eye, known for her roles in hit dramas such as “Do Bol,” “Meray Paas Tum Ho,” “Kashf,” and “Sun Yaara.” Married to actor Salman Saqib Sheikh since 2008, Hira Mani has maintained a significant presence on Pakistani television, often collaborating professionally with her husband and raising their two sons, Muzammil and Ibrahim. Her high-profile status has only escalated the impact of her remarks, especially given her history of publicly addressing sensitive subjects and grabbing headlines, such as when she was the victim of a widely shared robbery incident in 2021.
The exchange between Kangana Ranaut and Hira Mani comes at a turbulent time, underscoring how cross-border tensions are increasingly mirrored on digital and cultural platforms. As celebrities from both nations publicly engage in heated discourse, their voices capture the heightened emotions present on both sides and reflect the complex intersection between politics, popular culture, and personal identity. The ongoing row has amplified interest not just in the individuals involved, but also in how social media is used as a space for national dialogue and confrontation amid deepening India-Pakistan hostilities.
Looking ahead, the fallout from Kangana Ranaut’s comments and Hira Mani’s fiery reply could influence how celebrities from both countries interact during periods of diplomatic strain. Their exchanges not only shape wider public perceptions but may also fuel further debate on the responsibilities of influential figures during times of national crisis. With audiences across India, Pakistan, and beyond watching closely, the situation remains charged, and any future statements by Kangana Ranaut or Hira Mani are likely to draw significant attention and reaction, sustaining the intense atmosphere surrounding this latest cultural confrontation.
