Fawad Khan Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack As Boycott ‘Abir Gulaal’ Trends
Fawad Khan’s upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal’ is facing backlash amid renewed boycott calls following the Pahalgam terror attack.
In the aftermath of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, calls to ban Pakistani artists from working in the Indian entertainment industry have resurfaced. And this time, all eyes are on Fawad Khan. The Pakistani actor, who gained a loyal fan base in India after starring in films like ‘Khoobsurat’, ‘Kapoor & Sons’ and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, is set to star alongside Vaani Kapoor in the upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal’. The upcoming movie will mark his comeback to India cinemas, releasing May 9. However, the timing couldn’t be more tense.
Fawad Khan recently took to his Instagram Stories to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it “deeply saddening” and “horrifying”.
Check out his Instagram Story here:
While Fawad Khan expressed grief, controversy has followed swiftly. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a key body representing over five lakh workers and 32 affiliate organisations, has renewed its long-standing call to boycott Pakistani artists, which was initially issued after the 2019 Pulwama attack. In a strongly worded statement, FWICE condemned the continued collaboration with Pakistani artists and warned of consequences.
“Despite the ongoing directive, we've been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film, 'Abir Gulaal'. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world," the organisation said in a statement.
They also stated that any Indian film professionals who engage with Pakistani artists would face disciplinary action. Furthermore, they vowed to take necessary measures to block the release of ‘Abir Gulaal’ in India.
“We would like to emphasise that any member of our organisation or it's affiliate associations, such as the actors, directors, other technicians and producers or the production houses found cooperating with Pakistani personnel will be subject to disciplinary action. Further, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that 'Abir Gulaal' is not released in India,” the statement added.
As outrage mounted, the hashtag #BoycottAbirGulaal began trending on social media.
Earlier this month, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena said that they won't let the film release. Party spokesperson Ameya Khopkar said, “We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so. No film will be released here featuring Pakistani artists. And there is no need to release it. I just want to say, show the courage to release it. I challenge you to release it.”
Vaani Kapoor, Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ co-star, also took to Instagram Stories to share her heartbreak over the Pahalgam attack.
Check out Vaani Kapoor’s Instagram Story here:
Several Pakistani celebrities also spoke out in solidarity with the victims. Hania Aamir shared a heartfelt note on Instagram Stories.
Mawra Hocane, who gained a loyal fan base in India after starring in the 2016 film ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’, also condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.
Farhan Saeed, Usama Khan, and others echoed similar sentiments, condemning terrorism and expressing solidarity across borders.
This isn’t the first time that Fawad Khan has found himself at the centre of such controversy. In 2016, following the Uri terror attack, Pakistani artists were unofficially barred from working in India. Fawad, who was riding high after ‘Kapoor & Sons’ and starring in Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, faced severe backlash. Karan Johar later issued a public apology and pledged not to collaborate with Pakistani talent again. Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Raees’ also ran into trouble for featuring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan.
