India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has banned the Bollywood release of Fawad Khan starrer Abir Gulaal.
The romantic comedy, set to release on May 9, also stars Vaani Kapoor. The decision follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, sparking outrage against Pakistani artists.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had already called for a boycott, renewing its 2019 ban on Pakistani talent after the Pulwama attack.
FWICE warned of action against anyone collaborating with Pakistani artists, stating, “We will ensure Abir Gulaal isn’t released in India.” The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also opposed the film’s release in Maharashtra, citing Khan’s nationality.
Fawad Khan, marking his Bollywood return after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, condemned the attack on Instagram, calling it “horrific” and praying for the victims. However, public sentiment, fueled by hashtags like #BoycottAbirGulaal on X, remains hostile.
Critics argue this stifles art, as the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition to ban Pakistani artists in 2023. Yet, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari border post-Pahalgam, the government prioritizes national sentiment over artistic collaboration.
