Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan was all set to make a big return to Indian films with Abir Gulaal, starring Indian actress alongside Vaani Kapoor. But just weeks before the release, the film has landed in controversy after a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir which claimed the lives of 28 people.
The tragic event has reignited tensions between India and Pakistan with many people in India demanding a ban on Pakistani artists again. In public call to boycott Pakistani artists from Indian platforms Abir Gulaal is now caught in the middle of.
Two songs from the film Khudaya Ishq and Angrezi Rangrasiya have suddenly disappeared from YouTube India. Uploaded on the official channel of A Richer Lens Entertainment both songs were also removed by Saregama. As of now, they are inaccessible to Indian viewers, and no official explanation has been offered by either the production house or the label.
So far, neither the filmmakers nor the actors have said anything about the removal of the songs. But people noticed that Vaani Kapoor deleted a video where she promoted the film with Fawad Khan. The video was taken down on the same day the attack happened. Since then, she’s been facing online hate and trending hashtags like #BoycottVaaniKapoor.
According to media reports, government sources have revealed that Abir Gulaal will not release in India. Film Federations in India have opposed the release of the film and have also warned the makers of taking action against them. While speaking to NDTV, Ashoke Pandit, President Of The Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, said, “This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn’t the first time…these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work Pakistanis. They come up with bulls*t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. People think ‘agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahi mara toh fk it, I don’t care’, but if this film’s heroine or makers’ family members had been shot by the terrorist, they wouldn’t have worked (with Fawad).”
BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), added, “We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers (if they release the film).”
This film was supposed to be Fawad Khan’s big comeback in India after several years. He had stopped getting roles in Bollywood due to earlier tensions between India and Pakistan. But now, once again, political issues are getting in the way of art.
Also Read: Arijit Singh Cancels Chennai Show In Wake Of Pahalgam Terror Attack
