Mandana Karimi Posts Clarification After Backlash Over Operation Sindoor Remark, Deletes It Later

Actor and model Mandana Karimi found herself in the eye of a social media storm following an Instagram Story she shared in the wake of India’s counter-terror operation ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Responding to the criticism, Mandana Karimi issued a detailed clarification, expressing her love for India and stating that she has "deep respect for the Indian government".

Source : Instagram/@mandanakarimi/

Actor and model Mandana Karimi found herself in the eye of a social media storm following an Instagram Story she shared in the wake of India’s counter-terror operation ‘Operation Sindoor’. The post — which many perceived as anti-India — triggered outrage from netizens, with several users demanding she be sent back to her country. Responding to the criticism, the Iranian-born artist issued a detailed clarification, expressing her love for India and stating that she has "deep respect for the Indian government". She has now deleted that post as well.

What Mandana Karimi wrote?

On May 7, India carried out coordinated strikes across multiple terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. While the operation was widely hailed across the country, Mandana’s now-expired Instagram Story took a different tone and went viral through screenshots shared online.

Karimi had written, “The world is on fire, India bombing Pakistani Kashmir murdering civilians and children moments ago. Israel murdered a family in Khan Yunis just moments ago. America bombed Yemen murdering civilians just yesterday. All of these deaths are a direct response from genocidal powers that learned from each other that you can carry out war crimes with impunity while the world swallows its tongue. Whether it's Zionism, Hindutva fascism or American exceptionalism, imperialism continues to rage on and burn all in its path.”

Her remarks sparked severe criticism from Indian social media users who accused her of equating India’s anti-terror action with war crimes and targeting Indian sentiments. The backlash intensified with many calling her comments “insensitive” and “provocative”.

Mandana clarifies after backlash

Responding to the growing criticism, Karimi took to Instagram again with a clarifying note. She expressed her disappointment at the backlash and emphasised that her initial message was rooted in a call for peace, not political condemnation.

"Let me say this loud and clear: I’ve lived in India for 16 years. I’ve worked hard, adapted, contributed, and made this place my home—with love, effort, and respect. And yes, I’ve had the most incredible friends and people here who made me feel like I belong. But then there’s the other side—the small-minded, toxic corner that will always see me as an outsider, no matter what I do. Here’s the thing: I’ve always been open, vocal, and woke. But if I choose not to speak about something, not to post about something—that’s also my right. It’s a human right. You don’t get to tell me when to speak, what to say, or how to feel. That’s not how it works."

Reiterating her loyalty to India, she added, "And now, let’s talk facts. I’m proud of India. I’m proud of how far this country has come. I have deep respect for the Indian government—for what it’s done to protect its borders, grow its economy, and stand tall on the global stage. This country has given me space, purpose, and pride. And instead of standing together in that spirit, some people just want to tear down, hate, and harass."

However, as of now, even this clarification post has been taken down from her Instagram feed.