In her Bollywood debut Sanam Teri Kasam, Mawra Hocane portrayed Saru, a Telugu librarian. She credits directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru for guiding her into the character, stating she absorbed their instructions to embody Saru fully. This immersion was so profound that Mawra found it challenging to distinguish herself from her role, taking about a year to reconnect with her true self.
The 2016 film initially underperformed at the box office but gained a significant following through OTT platforms, leading to a successful re-release in February 2025. This resurgence made it India’s highest-grossing re-released film, earning praise from Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, and Vidya Balan.
Directors Rao and Sapru acknowledged the persistent fan support over the years, which motivated them to re-release the film during Valentine’s week, aligning with its romantic theme. They revealed that Mawra was selected from over 200 auditionees because of her compelling and graceful portrayal of emotional scenes.
A sequel to Sanam Teri Kasam is slated for 2026, though it remains uncertain if Mawra will reprise her role.
