Fawad Khan’s Bollywood Comeback Film Will Likely Be Barred In India

NEW DELHI (ANI) – Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s comeback film Abir Gulaal is facing a potential ban on its release in India following calls for its boycott after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Sources from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) said on April 24 that the film, which also stars Vaani Kapoor, will not be allowed to release in India.

This decision follows a call by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) for a complete non-cooperation with Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians in the Indian film and entertainment industry. In a statement on April 23, FWICE issued a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, noting the recent collaboration with Fawad Khan for Abir Gulaal.

“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,” the statement read.

The original directive had been issued in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

Fawad Khan expressed his condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack on Instagram, saying, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, and we pray for strength and healing for their families.”

Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, was originally scheduled for release on May 9, marking Fawad’s highly anticipated return to Bollywood after nine years.