Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal’ has found itself at the center of controversy following the recent Pahalgam terror attack that shook the nation. With 28 security personnel reportedly killed in the April 22 attack in Kashmir, the Indian film industry is witnessing renewed calls to boycott and ban Pakistani artists.
After the leadership of the Film Federation of India voiced its opposition, Ashoke Dubey, General Secretary of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), also issued a strong statement, calling for a complete ban on Pakistani actors and technicians in India, according to news agency ANI.
“Since this is a matter of national interest, the nation comes first. The continuous attacks, including the recent one in Pahalgam on our tourists, are shameful,” Ashoke told ANI.
FWICE asks for a complete ban of Pakistani artists in India
He further confirmed that FWICE has issued a press release warning its members that any collaboration with Pakistani artists will result in disciplinary action, including a potential industry-wide blacklist.
“We have again issued a press release stating that if any of our members are found working with Pakistani artists or technicians, we will take action against them and stop working with them.”
Dubey stated that official letters have been sent to all FWICE-affiliated associations. He also shared that a formal request has been made to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), urging the government to issue a notification that treats such collaborations as acts of treason.
“We are writing letters to all the associations affiliated with us. If anyone is found engaging in such activities again, they will not be allowed to work in the industry,” he said.
“In the letter to the I&B Minister, we said that a notification should be issued. Humara koi bhi sadasya, Hindustan ka koi bhi sadasya agar unke saath kaam kar raha hai, toh uske upar desh droh ka mukadma kiya jaye taaki wo aage se ye sab cheez karne se pehle 1000 baar soche.”
Abir Gulaal screening in India
Reports also suggest that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is considering banning the screening of ‘Abir Gulaal ‘in India due to the involvement of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. This film was set to mark Fawad’s return to Bollywood after nine years — his last appearance being in Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ (2016).
FWICE has reportedly sent a letter to Abir Gulaal’s producer Vivek Agarwal, strongly advising against the release of the film. Dubey emphasized that FWICE will cease cooperation with every crew member involved if the release goes ahead.
“The film Abir Gulaal was set to release on the 9th. Vivek Agarwal, the producer, was sent a letter from us. We also wrote to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting. We made it clear that you cannot work with Pakistani artists in this manner. If you release this film, we will cease cooperation with every unit member associated with it — whether it be the cameraman or the director.”
Pakistani actors have been previously banned from working in the Indian film industry following the 2016 Uri attack. The Abir Gulaal controversy reignites the debate on cross-border artistic collaborations amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
