Kareena Kapoor
Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan has found herself at the center of a social media firestorm after photographs of her with celebrated Pakistani fashion designer Faraz Manan began circulating online.
The images, uploaded to Manan’s official Instagram account on April 27, were reportedly taken in Dubai during what appears to have been either a private dinner or a professional collaboration.
Faraz Manan, known for his luxurious couture and frequent collaborations with Bollywood celebrities, captioned the post with a simple but affectionate phrase: “With the OG,” a nod to Kareena’s longstanding stature in the industry.
However, the photos quickly triggered a wave of online outrage, primarily from Indian social media users, who interpreted the meeting as controversial given the current political climate.
The backlash comes on the heels of the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, an incident for which Indian authorities have blamed Pakistan. The timing of Kareena’s photo release with a Pakistani designer, amid heightened national tensions and growing public resentment, was seen by many as insensitive.
Online critics quickly labeled the actress as “shameless,” a “traitor,” and even questioned her patriotism. Some users referenced her interfaith marriage to actor Saif Ali Khan, suggesting it as further “evidence” of divided national loyalties.
The criticism escalated into calls for a boycott, with hashtags trending that urged the public to stop watching Kareena’s movies or supporting any brand endorsements associated with her.
Despite the fact that Faraz Manan’s fashion brand is based in Dubai and serves an international clientele, the designer’s Pakistani roots have made the collaboration politically charged.
It’s worth noting that other Bollywood personalities, including Kiara Advani, Sonam Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Kartik Aaryan, also follow and have worked with Faraz Manan. However, it is Kareena’s global fame and the post’s unfortunate timing that have made her the primary focus of online outrage.
As of now, Kareena Kapoor has not commented publicly on the controversy. Whether she chooses to address the issue or remain silent, the incident underscores how deeply personal associations can be politicized in times of strained diplomatic relations.
