Sunny Deol Reacts to Fawad Khan's Bollywood Comeback Amid Past Ban On Pakistani Artists

Sunny Deol has weighed in on the much-discussed return of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan to Bollywood. Speaking on the topic of Pakistani artists working in India, the Border actor expressed that he had no objection to it.

“See, I wouldn’t like to go into the political side of it, because that’s where things start getting messy. We are actors; we work for audiences across the world. Whether people are watching or not, we perform for everyone. So, aisi koi baat nahi hai (there’s nothing like that). The way the world is now, we should stay global and welcome more countries into the fold—that’s how it should be,” Sunny said.

Pakistani Artists Ban Controversy

Back in 2016, following rising political tensions, an unofficial restriction was placed on Pakistani artists working in the Indian film industry. However, in 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking a formal ban on their participation.

Fawad Khan, known for his performances in Kapoor & Sons and Khoobsurat, is now set to make his return to Indian cinema with Abir Gulaal. Directed by Aarti S Bagdi and starring Vaani Kapoor, the film is slated for a theatrical release on May 9, 2025. Despite the court ruling, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) spokesperson Ameya Khopkar recently told Dainik Bhaskar that the party opposes the release of the film in Maharashtra.

Sunny Deol’s Upcoming Film Jaat

Meanwhile, Sunny Deol is preparing for the release of his upcoming film Jaat, an intense action drama directed by Gopichand Malineni. Set in a remote coastal village, the film follows a mysterious stranger who confronts a feared local criminal named Ranatunga. As he uncovers a web of corruption, he becomes the only hope for justice in the oppressed village.

Jaat features a stellar cast including Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, and Regina Cassandra. The film is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory and will hit theatres on April 10, 2025, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

movies