The much-anticipated Bollywood comeback of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the film “Abir Gulaal” has been abruptly halted in the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam. As the nation grapples with the tragedy, the release of the film, which also stars Vaani Kapoor and was slated for May 9th, has been put on hold, reflecting the heightened tensions and public sentiment.
The gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists, has sent shockwaves across India. In the aftermath of this horrific incident, the entertainment industry is also feeling the impact. Sources within the government have confirmed that the release of “Abir Gulaal” will not proceed as planned, at least for the foreseeable future. This decision aligns with the strong diplomatic responses to the attack, including the reported suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and SAARC visas.
Adding to the film’s woes, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reiterated its long-standing directive calling for a complete ban on all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians from participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. In a strongly worded statement released following the Pahalgam attack, the FWICE condemned the violence and reaffirmed its commitment to national interest and solidarity. The federation explicitly mentioned “Abir Gulaal,” stating they would take all necessary steps to ensure the film does not see a release in India.
Both Fawad Khan and his co-star Vaani Kapoor have publicly expressed their deep sorrow and condemnation of the terror attack. Taking to social media, Fawad Khan conveyed his condolences to the victims and their families, expressing his sadness over the “heinous attack.” Vaani Kapoor echoed these sentiments, stating she was “numb” and “devastated” by the tragic loss of innocent lives.
This is not the first time a Fawad Khan-starrer has faced headwinds in India. Following the Uri terror attack in 2016, there was a widespread call to ban Pakistani artists from working in the Indian film and music industry. Karan Johar’s “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,” which featured Fawad Khan in a pivotal role, faced significant protests and threats leading up to its release. Similarly, the planned India release of Fawad Khan’s Pakistani hit film “The Legend of Maula Jatt” in 2022 was also stalled due to protests from right-wing groups.
With the current political climate and the strong stance taken by film bodies, the future of “Abir Gulaal”‘s release in India remains uncertain. While the production house may explore possibilities for a later release, the prevailing sentiment suggests a challenging road ahead for any film featuring Pakistani artists in the near future. The incident underscores the delicate interplay between art, politics, and national sentiment, particularly in times of heightened tensions between neighboring countries.
Summary:
- The release of Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback film “Abir Gulaal” has been halted in India following the Pahalgam terror attack.
- The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a complete boycott of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema.
- Fawad Khan and co-star Vaani Kapoor have both condemned the terror attack and expressed their condolences.
- This is not the first instance of Fawad Khan’s films facing backlash in India due to political tensions.