Actor Fawad Khan is returning to the big screen in Bollywood after 9 years with Abir Gulaal. The film’s teaser was released on Tuesday, garnering a warm welcome from fans. However, Abir Gulaal seems to be facing some opposition from political leaders from the MNS and Shiv Sena. In a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, the politicians have condemned Fawad’s return to Bollywood, and said they will not let the film release in Maharashtra.
MNS Leader Ameya Khopkar said, “Hume aaj hi is film ke release ki jaankari mili, jab film ke makers ne iska elaan kiya. Lekin hum saaf taur par yeh keh rahe hain ki hum is film ko Maharashtra mein release nahi hone denge, kyunki ismein Pakistani actor ki maujoodgi hai. Hum kisi bhi haal mein aisi films ko Maharashtra mein release nahi hone denge. Hum is film se judi aur bhi jaankari juta rahe hain aur fir is par apna poora bayan saamne rakhenge. (We learned about the film today itself when the makers announced it. But we would like to make it clear that we will not let the film release in Maharashtra, since it stars a Pakistani actor. We will not let this film get released under any circumstances. As of now, we are gathering more details on the film and will issue our detailed statement soon).”
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also expressed his viewpoint and said, “When a film is released from Pakistan, Indian people do not like to watch it. It is a different thing to watch one or two films for a minute, but the films of Pakistani artists do not become very popular among the Indian audience. That is why Pakistani stars have never been able to succeed in India. I would advise Pakistanis that instead of exploring the Indian market, it is better to work in their own country. If the central government has made a policy, it should be implemented. I believe that the government should decide whether Pakistani films should be allowed to come to India or not. Whether Pakistani artists should be allowed to work in India or not should also be the government’s decision.”
In 2016, following the ban on Pakistani artists working in India, many actors from across the border (including Fawad Khan and others) couldn’t explore the Hindi film industry. However, in 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed the petition seeking an official ban on Pakistani actors working in India.
Abir Gulaal is directed by Aarti Bagdi, the film is slated to release on 9th May, 2025.
