Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has expressed strong disapproval of the recent terror attack in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, primarily tourists. His statement, shared on Instagram, conveyed his sorrow and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
However, his remarks have triggered a backlash in India, especially with the upcoming release of his film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, scheduled for release on May 9.
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This has led to calls for a boycott of the film, with the hashtag #boycottAbirGulaal trending on social media. Critics have questioned Fawad Khan’s timing, suggesting that his public sympathy for the tragedy seemed coincidental, coming just before his film’s release.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also reiterated its ban on Pakistani artists and workers, criticizing the collaboration between Fawad Khan and the makers of Abir Gulaal.
The FWICE has vowed to take action against any Indian production house working with Pakistani talent and has called for the film’s ban in Indian theaters. The ongoing political tensions have also impacted past Indian-Pakistani collaborations, with similar controversies arising in the wake of incidents such as the 2016 Uri attack.
Adding to the pressure, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has also voiced its opposition to films featuring Pakistani artists, demanding that Abir Gulaal not be released in Maharashtra.
The diplomatic fallout from the Pahalgam attack has been severe, with India taking measures like suspending provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border, and reducing the size of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. Additionally, Pakistani nationals will be barred from entering India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
