‘Abir Gulaal’ will not release in India, FWICE confirms; says ‘nation comes first – always’

Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 tourists, sparking nationwide outrage, anger has paved its way into the Bollywood film industry yet again. The film Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, was set to hit the theatres on May 9. The movie, helmed by Aarti S. Bagdi, aimed to bring back the theme of "love" to the big screens but it seems to have hit a roadblock.

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Social media erupted with reactions, campaigning to boycott the film, using hashtags like #boycottAbirGulaal and #boycottpakistaniactors. With many celebrities and industry professionals condemning the attack and sharing their condolences, Khan also expressed his grief. Taking to his Instagram stories, he wrote, "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." His co-star Kapoor also voiced her sorrow stating that she is feeling "numb" and "devastated," offering prayers for the affected families.

Despite Khan's previous acclaim in films like Kapoor and Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, the 49-year-old faces backlash again. Similar issues arose post the 2016 Uri attack, when controversy stirred around his film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, also starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai, and again after the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. Abir Gulaal marked the actor's comeback to Hindi films. Khan is not the only Pakistani artist who has faced fire in the Indian media. Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Mahira Khan, and more have also witnessed similar issues.

Now, The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has announced a “blanket boycott” of Pakistani artists in light of the attack. The union issued the statement: "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."

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“FWICE would like to emphasize that any member of our organization or its 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 Gullal is not released in India. Nation comes first-always.”

With all public sentiments strongly opposing any ties with Pakistani creative professionals, the fate of Abir Gulaal remains uncertain.

 

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