Dubai, April 29, 2025: Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor has come under intense online criticism after photos of her with renowned Pakistani designer Faraz Manan surfaced on social media, sparking a fresh wave of outrage amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions.
The images, posted by Manan on Instagram on April 27, appear to show the actress during a private gathering or professional engagement in Dubai. The post, captioned “With the OG,” quickly went viral, drawing a flood of angry reactions from Indian users online.
The controversy comes just days after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. The Indian government has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack — an allegation Islamabad has categorically denied — further souring bilateral relations and reinforcing a ban on Pakistani artists in India.
In this politically charged environment, Kareena’s association with a Pakistani designer was seen by many as insensitive and provocative. Social media users accused the actress of being “shameless” and a “traitor,” with some even linking the incident to her interfaith marriage to actor Saif Ali Khan, suggesting it reflected “divided loyalties.”
Calls for a boycott of Kareena’s films and brand endorsements quickly gained momentum, with hashtags condemning the actress trending across platforms. Critics have questioned her patriotism, despite her long-standing professional ties with Faraz Manan, who operates out of Dubai and has previously worked with numerous Indian celebrities.
While several other Bollywood figures — including Kiara Advani, Sonam Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Kartik Aaryan — also follow or collaborate with Manan, Kareena’s recent visibility has made her a lightning rod for public anger.
As of now, Kareena Kapoor has not responded publicly to the criticism.
