The film "Abir Gulaal," starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, was scheduled for release in India on May 9th. However, following a terrorist attack in Pulwama on April 22nd, calls to boycott the film due to Khan's Pakistani nationality intensified.
Abir Gulaal Songs Removed: Controversy surrounding the film "Abir Gulaal," featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, continues to escalate. Scheduled for a May 9th release, the film faced boycott calls after the April 22nd terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. This attack led to renewed questioning of the presence of Pakistani artists and their work in India, resulting in the film's release being halted.
Furthermore, the film's songs have been removed from YouTube. This event has sparked a new controversy, further fueling the growing opposition towards Pakistani artists.
The Pulwama Terrorist Attack
On April 22nd, a terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians and injured many others. This attack further strained already tense India-Pakistan relations. Following the attack, social media saw a surge in opposition to the work of Pakistani artists. Consequently, the producers and distributors of "Abir Gulaal" faced criticism, and the film's release was questioned.
The Decision to Ban "Abir Gulaal"
After the Pulwama attack, demands to ban "Abir Gulaal" in India intensified. Opposition to the presence of Pakistani artists in the Indian cinema and entertainment industry already existed, particularly following the Uri attack, which led to government restrictions on Pakistani artists.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting decided on April 22nd to ban the film's release in India. Ministry sources indicated that several cinemas had refused to screen the film, and various entertainment organizations had called for its boycott.
Film Songs Removed from YouTube
The filmmakers had previously released two songs from the film, "Khudaya Ishq" and "Angrezi Rangrasiya," which were well-received on YouTube. However, these songs have since been removed. A Richer Lens Entertainment, the production house, deleted them from their official YouTube channel. Additionally, Saregama, the official music licensee, also removed the songs from their YouTube handle.
This decision sparked b reactions on social media. Many users viewed it as a reflection of the criticism surrounding India-Pakistan cooperation following the Pulwama attack. The lack of response from the filmmakers and actors raises questions about whether they were unaware of the decision or have chosen to remain silent.
Statements by Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor
Fawad Khan, who plays a lead role in "Abir Gulaal," expressed deep sorrow over the Pulwama attack. In a social media post, he condemned the attack and offered his condolences and prayers to the victims' families.
Vaani Kapoor also condemned the attack, sharing an emotional message on social media. She expressed her shock at the news and difficulty expressing her feelings, offering her sympathy and prayers to the victims' families.
Opposition from FWICE and MNS
Amidst calls to boycott "Abir Gulaal," the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its earlier directive against Pakistani artists. FWICE urged the Indian film and entertainment industry to refrain from collaborating with Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians. The organization has previously issued statements against Pakistani films and artists.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also bly opposed the release of "Abir Gulaal" in India. Party leaders stated that Pakistan's continued support of terrorism made allowing Pakistani artists to work in the Indian film industry tantamount to boosting their economic interests. MNS's opposition spurred significant backlash against the film's release.
Producers and Cast of "Abir Gulaal"
"Abir Gulaal" is produced by Indian Stories Production, A Richer Lens, and Rjays Pictures. Directed by Aartee S. Bagdi, it stars Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, along with Lisa Haydon, Riddhi Dogra, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, and Parmeet Sethi in prominent roles.
The film's music, composed by Vishal Shekhar and Shreya Ghoshal, has been impacted by the removal of the songs from YouTube, diminishing its promotional reach and potential audience.
Impact of Pakistan-India Relations
This controversy extends beyond a single film boycott, reflecting the strained relationship between Pakistan and India. Opposition to Pakistani artists' participation in the Indian film industry intensified after the Uri attack. This event highlights how a terrorist attack can profoundly impact cultural and social connections.
The situation with "Abir Gulaal" demonstrates that collaboration between Pakistan and India in the film industry is no longer purely artistic but has become a significant political issue.
