Abir Gulaal Faces Boycott After Pahalgam Attack: FWICE Demands Ban on Pakistani Artists

In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that shook the nation, the upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal has landed in the eye of a storm. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded a total ban on Pakistani artists, particularly targeting this movie starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor.

Why is Abir Gulaal in Controversy?

The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s picturesque Pahalgam valley on April 22, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, sparked renewed anger against the inclusion of Pakistani talent in Indian films. FWICE responded with a strong statement, reiterating a previous directive first issued after the 2019 Pulwama attack.

“Given the tragic events in Pahalgam, we restate a total boycott of Pakistani actors, musicians, and technicians. Anyone from the Indian industry found violating this stand will face disciplinary action,” FWICE stated, according to PTI.

They further announced their intent to block the release of Abir Gulaal, originally scheduled to hit theaters on May 9.

FWICE Issues Fresh Warning

FWICE, which represents over 5 lakh workers across 32 film crafts, has made its stance clear: No Pakistani artists are to be employed, either in India or overseas. Production houses have been warned against defying this stand.

Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, also criticized the film and its collaborators:

“This is not the first time such attacks have happened. If this film’s heroine or makers’ family members had been shot by the terrorists, they wouldn’t have worked with Fawad,” he said.

BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, emphasized,

“We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers.”

What Did Fawad Khan Say?

In response to the growing outrage, Fawad Khan shared an Instagram story expressing his grief:

“Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims…we pray for strength and healing for their families.”

You can see his full message here:

However, despite his statement, public sentiment remains hostile. Hashtags like #boycottAbirGulaal are trending across social media platforms.

Vaani Kapoor Breaks Her Silence

Adding to the heated debate, actress Vaani Kapoor—who stars alongside Fawad—also spoke out on the Pahalgam attack. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, she wrote:

“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.”

Here’s her post:

Despite her heartfelt message, calls to boycott the film continue to intensify online.

The Movie and Its Cast

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal features a star cast including Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Soni Razdan, and Ridhi Dogra. It was set for a worldwide release on May 9. But with increasing pressure from film bodies and the public, its release in India has been halted indefinitely.

Recap of the Pahalgam Attack

The terror attack took place on April 22 at around 2:30 pm when gunmen opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran valley of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, including two foreign nationals.

To understand the full details of the incident, read here: Pahalgam Terror Attack: How Gunmen Targeted Tourists In Kashmir

Key Takeaways:

• Abir Gulaal is facing calls for a complete boycott after the deadly Pahalgam attack.
• FWICE has reaffirmed its stance against hiring Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment.
• Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor have both publicly condemned the attack.
• The film’s release in India is under threat due to rising political and public pressure.
• The incident has reignited long-standing tensions in the entertainment industry.

As the nation grieves, the debate over art versus national interest continues—only time will tell what happens next for Abir Gulaal.