Pahalgam terror attack: Film bodies seek ban on Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal’s India release

In Pic: Fawad Khan

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's Bollywood comeback ‘Abir Gulaal' has been under fire ever since the announcement, and now, with the horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the cry to stop the film from releasing in India has intensified. Amid escalating tensions, Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, has called for a boycott of those who work with Pakistani artists. Meanwhile, the President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) took a firm stance against the release of Abir Gulaal.

"This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn't the first time... these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls''' reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. People think ‘agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahi mara toh f''k it, I don't care,' but if this film's heroine or the makers' family members had been shot by the terrorist, they wouldn't have worked (with Fawad)," said Pandit, adding, "We will issue an order that anyone who works with Pakistani artists will be boycotted by the industry."

Meanwhile, Tiwari stated, "We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers (if they release the film)."

About the Pahalgam terror attack

A terror attack broke out at the Pahalgam hill station in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday. Over 20 tourists, including Indians and two foreigners, were shot dead by terrorists in the valley.

According to reports, two to three terrorists wearing army fatigues opened fire on horse-riding tourists in the Baisaran area around 2:30 p.m. Baisaran is a small meadow located 3 to 4 km from the Pahalgam market, and tourists typically ride horses to reach the spot as there is no motorable road.

About Abir Gulaal

Abir Gulaal will mark the first on-screen pairing of Vaani and Fawad. The film is touted to be Fawad's return to Bollywood. Made under the direction of Aarti S. Bagdi, the project has been produced by Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy. Ace composer Amit Trivedi has scored the beautiful melodies for the much-awaited drama.