Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated return to Indian cinema with the film Abir Gulal may face a delay. The movie, which was scheduled to release on May 9, was set to mark his first Hindi film appearance after years of absence.
However, following a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 27 lives were lost, the film’s distributors have expressed concerns. This has led them to reconsider the release date as security fears grow, potentially affecting the film’s premiere.
Call for Boycott of Pakistani Artists Amid Rising Tensions
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, calls for a boycott of Pakistani actors and films have resurfaced in India. This is expected to impact Fawad Khan’s film, which also stars Vaani Kapoor.
On Wednesday, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a statement urging full cooperation from all Indian film and entertainment industries to avoid any involvement with Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians. This call echoes similar actions taken in the past.
Despite this ongoing directive, FWICE has raised concerns over Fawad Khan’s recent involvement in Abir Gulal. They emphasized that, given the recent attack in Pahalgam, any future collaboration with Pakistani talents, whether for Indian films or global projects, will be strictly prohibited.
History of Tensions Between India and Pakistani Artists
This is not the first time Pakistani artists have faced backlash in India. Following the Pulwama terrorist attack in 2019, a similar boycott notice was issued, marking a period of strained relations. The 2016 Uri terrorist attack also led to a ban on Pakistani artists, affecting the careers of many, including Fawad Khan.
At that time, Fawad was gaining popularity in India with his role in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. However, after the attack, Johar publicly apologized and confirmed that he would no longer work with Pakistani artists in the future.
Social Media Reactions
On Wednesday, a #BoycottAbirGulal trend began circulating on social media platforms like Twitter. This growing backlash against Fawad Khan’s involvement in the film highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries and their impact on the entertainment industry.
As security concerns rise, the future of Abir Gulal and Fawad Khan’s career in Indian cinema remains uncertain.
