Amid Pahalgam Attack, Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulaal' Faces Backlash, Here's What Led To The Controversy

Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s Abir Gulaal was all set to hit the screens on May 9, 2025, but it seems unlikely as the upcoming film is facing extreme backlash. Amid the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani actor, Fawad Khan’s comeback to Bollywood with the film, Abir Gulaal is facing boycott calls. After the Pulwama attack in 2019, Kashmir came across another horrific terror attack two days back.

For the unversed, a tragic terrorist attack took place in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, on April 22, 2025, and cost the lives of 26 civilians. Known for its scenic beauty, Baisaran Valley, often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland’, soon turned into a ‘Valley of Terror and Horror’. Now, the question that comes to mind is what led to Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s Abir Gulaal controversy.

Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal faces extreme public outrage

The public outrage started immediately after the Pahalgam terror attack made headlines. Several social media users called out for strict action against Pakistan, and many questioned the Indian film industry’s continued collaboration with Pakistani actors. As soon as the teaser of the 2025 romantic drama, Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, was released, the film received boycott calls.

Earlier in 2023, the High Court dismissed the petition, which demanded a total ban on Pakistani artists. However, there are many political parties and film associations who opposed the High Court’s decision to dismiss the petition. Following the teaser launch of Abir Gulaal, the political party led by Raj Thackeray, strongly reacted and opposed the film’s release in India. As per the India Today reports, the party said:

“We will not allow Pakistani actors to work in India. Pakistan always backs terror activities from their land. And this is against our country. So we will not allow Pakistani artists to work here and gain fame and name, including monetary benefits.”

Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also demanded a complete ban on Pakistani actors. It also strongly reacted and said that it would take every necessary step to ensure that Abir Gulaal doesn’t get released in India. The film industry’s work unions strongly condemned the attack on Pahalgam and said it was nothing but the militant group targeting a religious community echoing the heinous Pulwama attack back in 2019.

Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor shared their views on the Pahalgam terror attack

When the whole nation is burning with the news of the Pahalgam terror attack, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor too fell prey for their romantic comedy, Abir Gulaal. Both Fawad and Vaani faced extreme backlash when they participated in the film’s promotion on April 20, 2025, for the song launch. However, soon after the incident, both actors took to their respective social media handles and condemned the brutal attack that claimed 26 lives.

Fawad Khan earlier faced backlash due to his film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

These kinds of attacks are nothing new to Fawad. Earlier in 2016, after the Uri attack, Pakistani actor, Fawad Khan faced a similar kind of backlash. A similar incident took place when Fawad was receiving immense popularity for his role in the film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, starring Anushka Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

What do you think about the ban of Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's upcoming romantic drama, Abir Gulaal? Let us know.

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