02 March,2026 08:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mandana Karimi
Mandana Karimi has spoken out strongly about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, expressing deep anguish over the situation in her homeland, Iran. The actor, who rose to fame in India with appearances on Bigg Boss 9 and Lock Upp, did not hold back while sharing her views on the Iranian regime and recent protests in India.
In a candid interaction, Mandana reflected on the years of unrest faced by ordinary Iranians. "For years, people inside Iran have protested with our bare hands," she said. "We have lost people. We have lost mothers, kids, universities, the list just goes on and on." She emphasised that the suffering of civilians has been long and painful, adding that many have been pleading with the global community for support.
Calling the Iranian regime "a cancerous cell in the Middle East," Mandana explained that her strong words stem from years of witnessing repression and violence. According to her, countless families have paid the price of political turmoil, and the emotional scars run deep. "We've been asking the world, please help us," she said, highlighting the sense of helplessness many Iranians feel.
What particularly hurt her, she revealed, were protests in India that appeared to support the Iranian leadership. "Abhi mera dil bahut toot gaya hai because jo protest ho raha hai India mein woh regime ke support mein," she said, expressing heartbreak over the demonstrations. She suggested that such gestures overlook the voices of those who have been fighting for change within Iran.
Mandana also shared that she had attended a candlelight vigil in solidarity with her people but faced challenges in organising similar expressions of support. For her, the issue goes beyond politics and is deeply personal. Watching developments unfold from afar has been emotionally overwhelming, she admitted.
Her remarks underline the complex emotions surrounding the crisis, grief, anger, hope and frustration intertwined. As someone with roots in Iran and a career in India, Mandana's perspective reflects the pain of belonging to two worlds while witnessing turmoil in one. Through her statements, she has called for empathy and awareness of the human cost behind political conflict.
