Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor is under intense scrutiny after photos of her posing with renowned Pakistani fashion designer Faraz Manan surfaced online.
The pictures, shared on Manan’s Instagram on April 27, appear to have been taken in Dubai during what seems to be a private dinner or a professional shoot. Manan captioned the post, "With the OG."
However, the timing of the post has sparked a wave of outrage on Indian social media. The backlash comes just days after the Pahalgam attack on April 22.
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The Indian government allegedly blamed Pakistan for the attack, further straining diplomatic ties and prompting renewed bans on Pakistani artists in India.
In this charged environment, Kareena’s appearance with a Pakistani designer was seen as highly provocative by many online users. Social media platforms were flooded with comments calling her "shameless," "a traitor," and even accusing her of being disloyal to India.
Several users also revisited Kareena’s interfaith marriage to actor Saif Ali Khan, interpreting her latest act as evidence of "family loyalties." Calls for her boycott quickly followed, with users vowing to stop watching her films or supporting brands she endorses.
Although Kareena has had a long-standing professional relationship with Faraz Manan, who operates a fashion brand in Dubai and has worked with several Bollywood stars, this specific moment has become a flashpoint in the ongoing cultural and political tension between the two countries.
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Notably, other Bollywood celebrities like Kiara Advani, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonam Kapoor, and Kartik Aaryan also follow Faraz Manan and have been seen collaborating with him.
Still, Kareena’s current spotlight has made her the primary target of public ire.
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As of now, Kareena Kapoor has not issued any official statement regarding the controversy.