Pahalgam attack: Release of Pakistani actor Fawad's 'Abir Gulaal' uncertain

The fate of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal is now in jeopardy after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

This comes after the dastardly attack by terrorists at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 people were mercilessly shot down. The killings have reignited calls to boycott Pakistani artists and their movies, beginning with Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal.

The makers of Abir Gulaal, which features Vaani Kapoor opposite Fawad, had earlier this month announced that the movie will be releasing on May 9.

Blanket ban

Post the Pahalgam attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its directive in a statement issued on April 23, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry.

“Despite the ongoing directive, we’ve been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film, Abir Gulaal", it said.

Also read: India release of Fawad Khan-starrer Pak film ‘Legend of Maula Jatt’ put on hold

"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 FWICE said.

Fawad and Vaani express anguish

Meanwhile, Fawad, who is set to return to the Hindi film industry with Abir Gulaal after almost nine years, shared his anguish over the strike in an Instagram Story on the night of April 23.

"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," the star of the popular Pakistani dramas Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar wrote.

His co-actor in Abir Gulaal, Vaani, whose next release is Raid 2, also shared a post on her Instagram Stories.

"Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families," she wrote.

Cine employee's union issues directive

The industry workers' union had issued the directive in February 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

Also read: MNS to oppose release of 'Abir Gulaal' film featuring Pakistani actor

The FWICE, the parent body of 32 different crafts of the workers and technicians of the industry with more than five lakh members, warned that it will take disciplinary action against those who work with Pakistani artists.

“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 note said.

'Abir Gulaal' trends on social media

On Wednesday, Abir Gulaal was trending on social media, with the hashtag #boycottAbirGulaal.

“If govt is serious, they must ban the film Abir Gulaal... They deserve a full-fledged boycott,” a social media user wrote on X.

Another user said, “Vaani Kapoor feels lucky! I sincerely hope this movie isn’t allowed to be released in India. #PahalgamTerroristAttack #AbirGulaal.” Earlier this month, Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had strongly opposed the release of the movie in India.

Previous cases

In 2016, following the Uri terror attack, Pakistani artists were barred from working in the Indian film and music industry.

At the time, Fawad, then rising in popularity in India, had faced issues for his supporting role in Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Johar issued an apology and stated that he will not work with a Pakistani artist in future.

Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan's 2017 film Raees also ran into trouble for featuring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan.

(With inputs from agencies)