Actor Fawad Khan’s long-awaited return to Bollywood has hit a major roadblock, as his film Abir Gulaal has now been banned in both India and Pakistan.
The dual-country ban comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which led to renewed political and cultural hostilities between the two nations.
Originally banned in India due to Fawad Khan’s Pakistani origin, Abir Gulaal has now been pulled from release in Pakistan as well—this time because it stars Indian actress Vaani Kapoor in the lead role.
Veteran Pakistani distributor Satish Anand confirmed the decision, citing "the sensitive timing" and rising cross-border tensions. He further stated that the ban would lead to substantial financial losses for the filmmakers, given the closure of both major markets.
Political fallout
India’s response to the Pahalgam attack included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, tightening border policies, and reinstating a ban on Pakistani artists. Pakistan’s reciprocal move to ban Abir Gulaal underscores how deeply politics is now entangled with cinema.
Fawad’s career in jeopardy?
Fawad Khan, once a Bollywood favourite for his roles in Khoobsurat and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has kept a low profile in India after a temporary ban on Pakistani talent. Abir Gulaal was supposed to mark his grand re-entry into Indian cinema.
With its release indefinitely delayed, the future of Abir Gulaal remains uncertain. The intended cinematic reunion has now become a symbol of the cultural divide.
