Pakistani actor's return film faces boycott calls in India

Fawad Khan’s upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, which marks his return to the Indian film industry after several years, is facing calls for a boycott in India following a recent attack.

The movie is scheduled for release in Indian cinemas on  May 9.

However, opposition to its release is growing, particularly from prominent industry figures.

On Thursday, Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association, voiced his disapproval of the film's release. "We, as a federation, have requested [filmmakers] with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis," he told NDTV.

BN Tiwari, president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, had earlier declared that their union would "not let the film release in India" and warned of action against the film's producers if it goes ahead.

In response to the recent violence in Kashmir, Khan shared an Instagram story on Wednesday condemning the attack, describing it as a "heinous" and "horrifying incident." Despite this, public anger directed at the film has not eased.

Khan rose to popularity in India after starring alongside Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor in a 2014 film. His Bollywood career paused in 2016 amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Uri attack on an Indian army base.

Such tensions between the two countries frequently disrupt cultural, film, and sports events.

Source: BBC