Amid boycott calls for 'Abir Gulaal', Fawad Khan expresses grief over Pahalgam terror attack

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian star Vaani Kapoor have expressed grief over the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which has left the nation shaken. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed the lives of 26 individuals, most of them tourists, and is being described as the worst in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama tragedy.

Fawad Khan, who is returning to the Hindi film industry after nearly a decade with the upcoming movie Abir Gulaal, took to Instagram to share his sorrow.

“Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time,” he wrote in his Instagram Story on Wednesday evening.


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Vaani Kapoor, who stars opposite Fawad in Abir Gulaal and is also gearing up for her next release Raid 2, echoed similar emotions.

“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,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories.

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FWICE Reiterates Ban on Pakistani Artists

Their messages of condolence come amidst mounting criticism and calls to boycott Abir Gulaal. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has renewed its directive for complete non-cooperation with Pakistani artists in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, FWICE said, “Despite the ongoing directive, we've been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film, Abir Gulaal. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world.”

The ban was first imposed in February 2019, following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were martyred. FWICE, which represents over five lakh workers across 32 crafts in the industry, warned that disciplinary action will be taken against those who engage with Pakistani talent.

Abir Gulaal is currently slated for release on 9 May. However, with protests gaining momentum and industry bodies taking a firm stand, the film’s future remains uncertain.

Inputs from PTI