Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated return to Bollywood with the film Abir Gulaal has been derailed, as the film now faces bans in both India and Pakistan. The decision follows a sharp escalation in political tensions between the two countries after the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Initially barred from release in India due to Fawad Khan’s Pakistani nationality, the film has now also been blocked in Pakistan—this time because it features Indian actress Vaani Kapoor in a lead role.
Veteran Pakistani distributor Satish Anand confirmed the move, citing “sensitive timing” and worsening cross-border relations. He acknowledged that the ban would result in considerable financial losses for the producers, as both primary markets are now closed to the film.
Politics Overshadowing Art
The political fallout from the Pahalgam incident has reignited hostilities, with India suspending parts of the Indus Waters Treaty, tightening border security, and reimposing restrictions on Pakistani artists. Pakistan’s decision to ban Abir Gulaal is seen as a direct response, highlighting how cultural projects are increasingly caught in the crossfire.
A Setback for Fawad Khan
Fawad Khan, once a rising star in Bollywood with acclaimed performances in Khoobsurat and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has maintained a low profile in Indian cinema since an earlier ban on Pakistani artists. Abir Gulaal was meant to mark his comeback and re-establish his presence in the Indian film industry.
With the release now indefinitely postponed, the future of Abir Gulaal hangs in the balance. What was intended as a cinematic reunion has instead become a casualty of political discord, underscoring the widening rift between the two nations.
