Fawad Khan condemns Pahalgam attack amid calls to boycott his upcoming Bollywood film ‘Abir Gulaal’

Federation of Western India Cine Employees reiterated its directive, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry

Actor Fawad Khan took to Instagram to condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead and several injured. The actor in an Instagram story wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of his horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.”

His statement comes a day after the incident, which amplified calls for the boycott of his upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi. The film, slated for release on May 9, is a romantic comedy set in London. This was set to be Khan’s comeback to Bollywood after nine years, as Pakistani artists have been unofficially absent from Indian films since the 2016 Uri terror attack. However, a ruling by the Bombay High Court dismissed efforts to impose an official ban. 

Kapoor echoed Khan’s sentiments on her Instagram story and wrote, “Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.” 

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday (April 22, 2025), calls to ban Abir Gulaal have intensified, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterating its directive, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry.

“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 participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world,” the FWICE said.

“We would like to emphasise that any member of our organisation or it’s affiliate associations, such as the actors, directors, other technicians and producers or the production houses found cooperating with Pakistani personnel, will be subject to disciplinary action. Further, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that ‘Abir Gulaal’ is not released in India,” the note added.

Khan, who previously starred in Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016), has continued to work internationally in projects like Ms. Marvel (2022) and The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022), Pakistan’s highest-grossing film. Kapoor, known for her role in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021), will also be seen in Netflix’s Mandala Murders and the upcoming Bollywood film Badtameez Gill.

Published - April 24, 2025 10:06 am IST