The long-awaited comeback of actor Fawad Khan to Bollywood has encountered a significant obstacle with the recent bans on his film Abir Gulaal in Pakistan and India.
Following the Pahalgam incident on April 22, which sparked further political and cultural tensions between the two countries, the dual-country ban was implemented.
Abir Gulaal, which was first prohibited in India because Fawad Khan was of Pakistani descent, has now also been barred from release in Pakistan, this time because the film’s main character is played by Indian actress Vaani Kapoor.
Citing “the sensitive timing” and escalating cross-border tensions, veteran Pakistani distributor Satish Anand confirmed the decision. “Given the closure of both major markets, the ban would result in significant financial losses for the filmmakers,” he added.
