The return of the Superstar of Pakistan Fawad Khan to Bollywood has caused controversy as the right -wing political and industrial leaders of India have asked to boycott the next romantic comedy ‘Abir Gulaal’.
The film, starring the Pakistani and Vaani Kapoor pink of India, is scheduled for a launch of May 9, 2025 and before its cinemas debut, the film faces a strong opposition from the main political figures and industry leaders who ask for their boycott, prominently in Maharashtra.
Veteran filmmaker and Indian film and television directors; The president of the Association (IFTDA), Ashake Pandit, has taken a firm position against Fawad’s casting, saying in an interview with Ians that “the whole nation will react” to the return of the Pakistani actor, according to News 18.
Pandit expressed his disappointment for the Indian film industry for continuing to work with Pakistani artists despite their unofficial prohibition. The director emphasized that these movements are “disrespectful for the interests of the nation.”
He also raised questions against the popular rhetoric of “art has no limits”, since he argued that solidarity must come with responsibility.
“Which Pakistani artist has spoken after an attack against Indian soldiers or civilians?” He asked and warned that the release of the film would bring generalized public anger, possibly lead to mass protests.
After the 2016 URI incident, which left 19 dead Indian soldiers, filming bodies, including AMPPA and AICWA, enforced an unofficial prohibition of Pakistani actors and technicians.
The Superior Bombay Court rejected a plea for a formal prohibition in 2023, the industry continues to observe an unwritten rule that keeps Pakistani artists away from the mainstream of Bollywood.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has promised to block the liberation of abir gluttony in the state. The leader has also challenged filmmakers, saying: “We will not allow any film with Pakistani artists to be released in Maharashtra. Challenge to launch it.”
They echoed similar feelings by Shiv Sena leader, Sanjay Nirupam, when he said that the Indian public avoids watching Pakistani movies and actors, even when they are curious.
“There is a widespread hatred by Pakistan in India,” he said, he added that Pakistani artists should work within their own film industry.
Fawad, which has appeared in Bollywood, including Khovsurat (2014), Kapoor and children (2016) and Ae dil hai mushkil (2016), before political tensions after Uri’s attack derail their career in Indian cinema.
