New Delhi [India]: Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s highly anticipated return to Bollywood with the film ‘Abir Gulaal’ is now under threat, as the Indian government considers a ban on the film’s release in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Sources within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed Thursday that the film, which stars Vaani Kapoor alongside Khan and is slated for release on May 9, will not be permitted to screen in India.
The move follows a renewed call for boycott by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which has urged the Indian film and entertainment industry to halt all collaboration with Pakistani artists, including actors, singers, and technicians.
“Despite ongoing directives, we have noted the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. In light of the Pahalgam terror attack, FWICE is compelled to reinforce its stance with a blanket boycott on all Pakistani participation in Indian entertainment, globally,” the organization said in a statement.
This boycott echoes a similar action taken in 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack, which led to a widespread industry halt on hiring Pakistani talent.
Amid the backlash, Fawad Khan took to Instagram to express his condolences:
“Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this heartbreaking time,” he posted.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Abir Gulaal was set to mark Fawad’s return to Bollywood after nine years, his last appearance being in Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ (2016). Following the 2016 Uri attack, Fawad, a Pakistani citizen, was banned from working in India, along with other Pakistani artists.
The final decision on the film’s release is expected to be officially announced by the ministry in the coming days.