Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s upcoming romance movie ‘Abir Gulaal’ is once more under intense scrutiny after the Pahalgam attacks in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir which had claimed over 26 lives.
On Wednesday, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) released a statement calling for a ban on all Pakistani actors and singers in the Bollywood film industry.
After the terrorist attack, on Wednesday India escalated the tensions between the two countries by suspending the Indus Water Treaty and banned the entry of Pakistanis into the country, according to Geo. However, Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack.
According to the Indian Express, the FWICE claimed the attack was done by the Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba to claim more lives of the Hindu community.
“This despicable act, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF)-a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-specifically targeted a religious community, echoing the horror of the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.”
The group went on to call for a ban on all Pakistani artists and singers, ““In the wake of these repeated attacks, FWICE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to national interest and solidarity. We reiterate our directive, originally issued on February 18, 2019, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistan artistes, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry.”
Addressing the upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal’, the group urged the Indian government to place a blanket boycott over all Pakistani actors and singers.
“Despite this ongoing directive, we have 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 artistes, singers, and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world.”
FWICE ended the statement by issuing a clear warning that they were ready to take all the necessary steps to ensure that ‘Abir Gulaal’ would not release in any theatre across India.
“FWICE would like to emphasise that any member of our organisation 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 Gulaal is not released in India.”
According to NDTV, sources claim that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry was taking steps to deny the film’s release across theatres in India. Bollwood Bubble has also reported that the film’s song ‘Khudaya Ishq’ and ‘Angrezi Rangrasiya’ were removed from Youtube India amid calls for boycott.
Meanwhile, both Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor had released statements sending their prayers to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and hoped for healing during these difficult times.
“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 during this difficult time.”
Vaani Kapoor wrote in an Instagram story: “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.”
Prior to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, a right wing group Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had threatened to storm theatres to protest against ‘Abir Gulaal’s release across India, citing that no Pakistani artist or singer should be allowed to work in Bollywood after the 2016 attacks.
“We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so,” Ameya Khopkar, the head of the chitripat wing, had said in a statement to the media. “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. In 2016, we had a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Raj Thackeray was also there.”
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Fawad Khan’s upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal’ faces threat of ban from right-wing political parties in India
Several other Pakistani celebrities like Mawra Hocane, expressed their sympathy towards the victims of the Pahalgam attack, and prayed for more peaceful cooperations in the future.
“My deepest condolences to the affected families,” wrote the ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ actress. “An act of terrorism against one is an act of terrorism against all. What is happening to the world?”
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