Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan in a still from ‘Abir Gulaal’
| Photo Credit: A Richer Lens Entertainment
The upcoming Indo-Pak collaboration Abir Gulaal has been caught in the political crossfire following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. Just weeks before its scheduled May 9 release, the film starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor is facing mounting backlash, and its promotional content is already being scrubbed from Indian platforms.
Two songs from the film — Khudaya Ishq, a romantic ballad, and Angrezi Rangrasiya, a dance track — have been removed from YouTube India. The videos, initially published on the official channel of A Richer Lens Entertainment, are now inaccessible to Indian viewers. Music label Saregama, which holds rights to the soundtrack, has also taken down the songs from its own YouTube channel.
No official explanation has been issued by the film’s producers or its lead cast. However, the backlash has intensified since April 22, the same day the Pahalgam attack occurred, with users noting that Vaani Kapoor deleted a promotional post featuring co-star Fawad Khan. Online criticism has since surged, with hashtags like #BoycottVaaniKapoor trending across social media.
Under pressure, Kapoor posted a message expressing her grief: “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 family.” Fawad Khan also issued a statement, condemning the violence and offering prayers for the victims.
Despite their responses, the outrage has not subsided. BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, has publicly declared that Abir Gulaal should not be allowed to release in India, warning of consequences if distribution is attempted. Ashoke Pandit, head of IFTDA, reinforced this stance, cautioning that Indian artists collaborating with Pakistani talent could face serious industry repercussions.
Published – April 24, 2025 01:56 pm IST
