Mumbai, April 24: Fresh calls to boycott Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal have intensified following the deadly terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead.
The film, slated for release on May 9, has drawn sharp criticism from industry bodies and social media users alike, with demands for a complete ban on any collaboration with Pakistani talent.
Khan, who is returning to Indian cinema after nearly a decade, broke his silence on Wednesday, calling the attack “heinous” and expressing solidarity with the victims.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families,” he posted on Instagram.
His co-star Vaani Kapoor shared similar sentiments, saying she felt “numb” and “devastated” after witnessing visuals of the attack.
“My prayers are with the families,” she wrote in her Instagram Story.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which had imposed a directive against Pakistani artists after the 2019 Pulwama attack, reiterated its stance on Wednesday. “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,” the union said in a statement.
FWICE, which represents over five lakh workers across 32 film and TV crafts, warned of disciplinary action against anyone defying the directive by working with Pakistani nationals.
Despite the standing order, the group noted with concern that Fawad Khan had been cast in Abir Gulaal, a development it deemed unacceptable amid rising tensions.
The film’s producers have yet to comment on the backlash.
