According to well-known actor Fawad Khan, he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the “heinous attack” amid resurgent calls for a ban on Pakistani artists performing in India following the Pahalgam terror strike killing 26 people. The actor said in an Instagram story, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.”
This occurs just prior to the May 9 release of the film Abir Gulaal, which stars Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan. Following the 2019 Pulwama terror incident, which killed 35 paramilitary men, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, an organization of film artists, advocated for a boycott of Pakistani singers, artists, and technicians in the Indian film industry.
The Pahalgam incident prompted this organization to renew its directive. “Despite the ongoing directive, we’ve been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film, ‘Abir Gulaal’. 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 organisation said in a statement.
With over five lakh members, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees is the umbrella organization for 32 distinct unions representing technicians and employees in the Indian film industry. “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 said.
The hashtag #boycottAbirGulaal began trending as the bodies of those killed in Tuesday’s horrific terror assault arrived at their homes. Earlier this month, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena declared they won’t let the film release. Party leader Ameya Khopkar said, “We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so. No film will be released here featuring Pakistani artists. And there is no need to release it. I just want to say, show the courage to release it. I challenge you to release it.”
Once praised for their work in Hindi cinema, Pakistani artists have encountered opposition in India anytime ties with neighboring nations have soured as a result of terrorist attacks. In 2016, in the wake of the Uri terror attack that left 19 Indian soldiers dead, Pakistani artists were barred from working in the Indian film and music industry. Fawad Khan, then very popular in India, faced a backlash for his role in Karan Johar’s “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”. Karan Johar had then apologised and said he would not work with Pakistani artists in the future. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s 2017 film “Raees” also ran into trouble because it starred Pakistani actor Mahira Khan.
The Cabinet Committee on Security has taken harsh action against Pakistan for its backing of terrorist operations in India amid the national outcry over the deaths of innocent people in Pahalgam. The Integrated Check Post at Attari has been closed and the Indus Water Treaty has been suspended. Additionally, New Delhi declared defense advisers in the Pakistani High Commission Persona Non Grata and stated that Pakistani nationals will not be allowed to enter India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. By May 1, the High Commissions’ total strength will similarly be reduced from 55 to 30.
