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India has decided to halt the release of the film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and actress Vaani Kapoor, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The film, which was scheduled for release on May 9, will no longer be shown in India, according to sources in the government. This decision follows a series of diplomatic actions announced by India, which includes suspending the Indus Water Treaty and imposing restrictions on SAARC visas.
Abir Gulaal would have marked Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after a hiatus, having previously appeared in films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Khoobsurat, and Kapoor & Sons. However, following the Uri attack in 2016, Fawad, along with other Pakistani actors, was banned from working in Indian films.
After the Pahalgam terror attack, Fawad Khan took to social media to express his sorrow. “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time,” he wrote on Instagram.
Vaani Kapoor, also the film’s co-actor, expressed her devastation. “Have been numb, at a loss for words since the time I saw the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families,” she posted.
Following the attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reaffirmed its ban on Pakistani artistes, issuing a statement that condemned the attack and reiterated its stance on non-cooperation with Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry. FWICE also stated its commitment to ensuring Abir Gulaal would not be released in India, citing its ongoing directive to avoid any collaboration with Pakistani actors and technicians.
This is not the first time Fawad Khan’s work has been affected by the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The release of his 2022 film The Legend of Maula Jatt in India was blocked due to protests from right-wing groups, and his involvement in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced significant hurdles in 2016, when the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena threatened to disrupt its release.
