Who is Sahiba Bali and why is she under fire for her remarks on Pakistan and The 'Kashmir Files'? Full controversy explained

Sahiba Bali controversy: Actor and host Sahiba Bali is facing heavy backlash on social media after her comments on Pakistan and her views on 'The Kashmir Files' have resurfaced. The controversy began after clips from her past interviews resurfaced and spread widely across social media. In one such video, Sahiba Bali spoke about a visit to Pakistan during her teenage years, calling the experience “eye-opening” and describing the people she met as “loving.” Another clip also surfaced in which Sahiba Bali can be heard criticising The Kashmir Files, calling it a “bad” film and suggesting that it carried a propaganda narrative.

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Who is Sahiba Bali?

Born on December 5, 1994, into a Kashmiri family, Sahiba Bali has built a distinct identity through her versatility and determination. She pursued a degree in Economics from Delhi University before moving to the UK for higher studies. In London, she studied marketing and also attended a business programme at the University of Oxford, laying the groundwork for a strong corporate career.


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Career and movies

Before entering films, Sahiba Bali worked in the corporate sector and joined Zomato as a marketing associate. Her creative ideas and execution skills contributed to the brand’s digital growth, eventually helping her rise to the role of brand manager. During this time, she also explored content creation, featuring in several quirky Zomato videos that boosted her visibility.

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While pursuing her master’s in London, Sahiba Bali received an unexpected call from director Imtiaz Ali for an audition for Laila Majnu. Although she initially auditioned for the lead role, later played by Triptii Dimri, she eventually portrayed the protagonist’s sister.

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Sahiba Bali went on to gain recognition for her performances as Ambreen, a Kashmiri student in Laila Majnu (2018), Abida in the Netflix series Bard of Blood (2019), and as a sharp, driven journalist in Amar Singh Chamkila. In the digital space, she has also appeared in content by FilterCopy and collaborated with multiple brands, steadily expanding her online presence.

Sahiba Bali's response

Sahiba Bali responded to the controversy and said that the old clip was taken out of context. The actor stated that she shared her side emphasising empathy, unity, and that her words were never meant to hurt. "An old clip of mine from few years ago is being circulated shortened out of context and misunderstood to reflect a limited view about ONLY a film – NOT about history or denying the turbulent past of a community whose pain I’ve well known, vocalised and felt for."

"The world is a scary place today with anger, hate and conflict, where I remember what my Dadi taught me: Nirbhau, Nirvair- without fear, without hate. However, I regret that my choice of words or opinion about a film have been dismissive and hurtful which was not and never will be my intention."

"I’m a proud Indian who knows well and understands the weight of history and its impact on our people. But I want to say this clearly and those who know me can affirm as a reflection of my love for our country I’ve repeatedly stood up for empathy, respect, and unity and I’ll continue to do so. Always."

Sahiba Bali's video with Mitchell Starc

Sahiba Bali, an actress-turned-sports presenter, also grabbed attention after her engaging interaction with Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc went viral on social media. The video, which shows a light-hearted and playful exchange between the two, quickly gained traction among cricket fans. Sahiba Bali has also been associated with major cricketing events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), where she has hosted shows and conducted interviews with top international players.

Alongside acting, she also explored digital content creation, collaborating with platforms and brands that expanded her reach among younger audiences. Sahiba’s transition into sports anchoring has further boosted her popularity. Known for her ability to connect with athletes and audiences alike, she has interviewed several prominent cricketers, including Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins.