The upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, marking Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Hania Amir’s return to Indian cinema after a long hiatus, has sparked intense backlash following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives on April 22. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) have renewed calls for a complete ban on Pakistani artists working in India, demanding the film’s cancellation ahead of its scheduled May 9 release.
FWICE issued a stern statement, declaring a “total boycott” of Pakistani actors, musicians, and technicians in solidarity with the victims of the attack. “Any Indian filmmaker collaborating with Pakistani talent will face disciplinary action,” the union warned, vowing to block Abir Gulaal‘s release. IFTDA president Ashoke Pandit echoed the sentiment, calling the attack “an act of war” and urging the industry to prioritize national sentiment over artistic collaboration.
Amid the controversy, Fawad Khan and several Pakistani stars publicly condemned the Pahalgam attack. Khan shared an Instagram story expressing his grief: “Deeply saddened by the heinous attack… Our prayers are with the victims and their families.” Actors Hania Amir, Mawra Hocane, and Usama Khan also voiced solidarity, denouncing terrorism “regardless of borders.”
Despite the condemnations, social media outrage and industry pressure threaten Abir Gulaal‘s theatrical prospects. The film, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, now faces an uncertain future as Indian cine unions mobilize against its release. The backlash underscores the fragile cultural ties between India and Pakistan, where art and politics remain deeply entangled.
As tensions escalate, the Indian film fraternity’s hardline stance reflects public anger, while Pakistani artists’ pleas for humanity highlight the personal toll of geopolitical strife. With the film’s fate hanging in the balance, the debate over cross-border collaborations in entertainment grows ever more contentious.
Also read: Pakistan challenges India to provide proof of Kashmir Attack involvement
