MUMBAI: The recent tragic attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has sent shockwaves across the globe, with at least 28 people reported dead and around 50 injured.
The brutal nature of the incident has deeply shaken the Indian public, sparking widespread outrage and urgent calls for justice and stringent action against those responsible.
In the wake of this tragedy, the entertainment world finds itself caught in a crossfire of controversy. Abir Gulaal, an upcoming Hindi film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, is facing mounting criticism. Social media platforms have been flooded with demands to boycott the film, citing Khan’s nationality amid heightened tensions.
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Fawad Khan, known for his previous roles in Indian cinema, broke his silence on the matter through an Instagram story, condemning the Pahalgam attack in strong terms. “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 during this difficult time,” he wrote.
His statement came a day after the incident and was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated the gesture, others saw it as too little, too late, further fuelling the #BoycottAbirGulaal campaign.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is a romantic comedy set in London and is scheduled to release on 9th May. The film was expected to mark Fawad Khan’s long-awaited return to Bollywood following an unofficial hiatus of Pakistani artists from Indian films since the 2016 Uri attack, after which an informal ban was imposed.
However, a recent ruling by the Bombay High Court rejected attempts to formalise a ban on Pakistani actors, effectively clearing the path for their re-entry into the Indian entertainment industry. Abir Gulaal was set to be a symbolic restart, but its release now hangs in the balance.
As of now, there has been no official word on whether the film will face a ban or whether it will proceed with its scheduled premiere.
The situation continues to evolve, with tensions running high and public sentiment playing a significant role in what lies ahead.
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