Fawad Khan’s much-awaited Bollywood comeback has hit a wall. The romantic drama Abir Gulaal, starring Khan and Vaani Kapoor, will not release in India, government sources confirmed. The decision comes after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists and sparked nationwide anger. The film, set to hit theaters on May 9, 2025, has faced boycott calls due to Khan’s Pakistani nationality.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has taken a firm stand. They’ve banned all Pakistani artists from Indian films, singling out Abir Gulaal. FWICE President BN Tiwari said, “We will not let this film release in India.” He added that the movie’s songs and visuals won’t play on any platform. This includes YouTube, where the song Khudaya Ishq was recently removed.

The Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, fueled public outrage. Social media users demanded action against Pakistan and questioned Bollywood’s ties with Pakistani talent. Many theaters are refusing to screen the film, fearing backlash. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has backed the ban, citing national sentiment.

Khan, known for hits like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Kapoor & Sons, condemned the attack on Instagram. “Deeply saddened by the heinous attack in Pahalgam,” he wrote, praying for the victims. However, his statement hasn’t calmed the storm. Vaani Kapoor, the film’s co-star, also faced heat. She quietly deleted a promotional video featuring Khan from her social media.

The controversy isn’t new. In 2016, Khan’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced similar backlash after the Uri attack. The 2019 Pulwama attack further tightened restrictions on Pakistani artists. Although the Bombay High Court rejected a formal ban in 2023, industry bodies like FWICE and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) remain opposed. MNS leader Ameya Khopkar vowed to block the film in Maharashtra, calling it a matter of national pride.

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is a romantic comedy shot in London. It features Soni Razdan, Ridhi Dogra, Lisa Haydon, and Farida Jalal. The teaser, released on April 1, 2025, initially sparked excitement. But the Pahalgam attack changed everything. Political groups and netizens argue that releasing a film with a Pakistani actor is insensitive during this time of grief.

Meanwhile, Bollywood stars like Vicky Kaushal and Akshay Kumar have condemned the attack. Sanjay Dutt even called for government retaliation. The industry is divided. Some, like actress Dia Mirza, support Khan’s return, arguing that art should promote peace. In a News18 interview, Mirza said, “Art is a medium for harmony.” Yet, her comments, made before the attack, have drawn criticism.

The ban’s impact goes beyond Abir Gulaal. FWICE has warned that anyone working with Pakistani artists will face strict action. This could affect future collaborations. Pakistani shows, popular on YouTube among Indian fans, may also face restrictions, though FWICE’s control is limited to the film sector.

For now, the film’s fate is uncertain. Producers are negotiating with exhibitors, but a May 9 release seems unlikely. Sources say the release may be delayed indefinitely. The production house, backed by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures, has stayed silent. Neither Khan nor Kapoor has commented on the ban.

This news aligns with reports from major outlets like India Today, which first broke the story. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), we’re committed to bringing you the latest updates. For more global entertainment news, check out our coverage at america112.com.

The ban reflects deeper India-Pakistan tensions. Data shows that since 2016, collaborations with Pakistani artists have dropped by 90% in Bollywood, according to industry reports. The graph below highlights this trend:

![Graph: Decline in India-Pakistan Film Collaborations]
Source: Bollywood Industry Reports, 2016-2025

• 2016: 15 projects with Pakistani talent
• 2019: 3 projects
• 2025: 1 project (Abir Gulaal)

The public’s reaction is clear. On platforms like X, users have posted strong opinions. One user wrote, “No Pakistani films in India after Pahalgam. Ban Abir Gulaal!” Another said, “Art shouldn’t suffer, but national pride comes first.” These sentiments echo across India and the Indian diaspora in the USA, where our website, AMERICA NEWS WORLD, has seen growing traffic.

For readers worldwide, this story matters. In the USA, Indian-American communities are closely following the news. In India, it’s a topic of heated debate. Our goal at america112.com is to provide clear, unbiased updates for all ages. Whether you’re in Asia, Europe, or North America, we aim to keep you informed.

The ban also raises questions about art and politics. Should films bear the weight of geopolitical tensions? Actress Nimisha Nair, in a Times Now interview, called the boycott “unnecessary,” urging focus on cinema’s power to unite. Yet, for many, the Pahalgam attack—described as the deadliest since Pulwama—makes such collaborations unthinkable.

For more on the Pahalgam attack’s impact, check out this (https://america112.com), we’ll continue tracking this story, from Bollywood to global politics.