Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was all set to make his Bollywood comeback in the film Abir Gulaal, also starring Vaani Kapoor. The film was scheduled to release in theatres on May 9. But unfortunately, after the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, a section of netizens have demanded to boycott Pakistani artists and their movies.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also announced a ban on Pakistani artists.
As per a report in PTI, FWICE released a statement on Wednesday, where they reiterated its directive, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry.
“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. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world,” the federation said.
FWICE also warned that it will take disciplinary action against those who work with Pakistani artists.
“We would like to emphasise that any member of our organisation or it라이브 바카라 affiliate associations, such as the actors, directors, other technicians and producers or the production houses found cooperating with Pakistani personnel, will be subject to disciplinary action. Further, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that Abir Gulaal is not released in India,” read the statement.
Post the terror attack, Abir Gulaal started trending on X, with the hashtag #boycottAbirGulaal.
“This Movie should not get a single audience in theaters! Bycott such actors. Their greed for work and money has always shamed us as nation. They stand with anything but nation in the name of Art! Bycott #AbirGulaal,'' wrote one user.
“If govt is serious, they must ban the film 'Abir Gulaal'... They deserve a full-fledged boycott,” wrote another user.
One commented, “Vaani Kapoor feels lucky! I sincerely hope this movie isn’t allowed to be released in India. #PahalgamTerroristAttack #AbirGulaal.”
After FWICE announced ban on Abir Gulaal, Fawad Khan took to his Instagram handle to condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam. “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.” Fawad had previously starred in Hindi films like Khoobsurat, Kapoor and Sons and Ae Dil hai Mushkil. Vaani Kapoor also expressed her grief over the incident and wrote, “Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families,'' he wrote.
Amidst the boycott calls, Vaani also expressed sorrow as she wrote, “Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families."
