Lakshmi Manchu Backs Pakistani Actors, Calls Instagram Ban ‘Insecure’ Move: ‘What Threat Are They?’

Telugu actress Lakshmi Manchu has voiced strong criticism of the recent ban on Pakistani artists in India, along with moves to block Pakistani stars’ Instagram accounts as tensions escalated between the two nations. She is calling for greater understanding and unity, countering the notion that artists pose any threat. This comes amid the controversy brewing around Hania Aamir’s casting in Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Lakshmi questioned the rationale behind a sweeping ban. She said, “Don’t politicise art. Go after the people who are causing the trouble. You can’t just throw a blanket ban on everybody and say no (you can’t work with them). Where is our growth? Where is our warmth? As Indians, we welcomed all these people with open hearts.”
Lakshmi further challenged the decision to silence artists and restrict social media access. “Where are our hearts now? Politics is one way, but why cattle herding and blanketing? Why are they going after an actor? What threat are they to India, and banning their Instagram? Like how insecure are you?” she rued.
She urged for unity over division, suggesting that people should focus on collective growth:
She stated that instead of following a divide‑and‑rule policy, people should focus on finding common ground and uniting to fight the common enemy. Lakshmi expressed disappointment about stifling artistic freedom. She said, “We are given the freedom of fiction. Then one says, ‘You can’t.’ It’s really hard for me to digest.”
Meanwhile, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for strong action against actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh and the makers of his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 for featuring Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the cast. The film body has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that Dosanjh, along with producers Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and director Amar Hundal, be blacklisted from the Indian film industry. It also asked for their passports to be revoked and Indian citizenship cancelled. The film is set to release overseas only.

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