MUMBAI: After the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 and injured several tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), New Delhi has decided Abir Gulaal isn't worthy of a release, leaving Fawad Khan's return to Bollywood hanging in the balance, The Indian Express reported, citing sources.

India blamed Pakistan for the attack and suspended the 65-year-old Indus Water Treaty (IWT) that shares critical water between the two neighbours. Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines and rejected New Delhi's suspension of IWT on Thursday in retaliation for India's response to the militant attack on tourists in IIOJK.

Pahalgam, known for its natural beauty, draws thousands of visitors each summer. Violence had eased in the area in recent years, making the attack even more shocking.

The film - also starring Vaani Kapoor and set to release on May 9 - was meant to mark Khan's return to Bollywood. He earlier appeared in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Khoobsurat, and Kapoor & Sons. Khan, along with other Pakistani artists, was banned from working in Indian films after the Uri attack.

Despite being ready for release, the film has been barred in India, casting a shadow over the Pakistani heartthrob's return to Bollywood. Following the attack, Indian film bodies called for a ban on Abir Gulaal. The Humsafar actor condemned the attack on Wednesday night, saying his thoughts and prayers were with the victims.

It is important to note that the Indian government has pinned the attack on Pakistan without any evidence to back their wild claims. They have alleged Islamabad's support for "cross-border terrorism" but Pakistan has denied any role and said it had nothing to do with the attack.

A day after the attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) called for a boycott of Pakistani artists, according to The Indian Express.

"In the wake of these repeated attacks, FWICE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to national interest and solidarity. We reiterate our directive, originally issued on February 18, 2019, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistan artists, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry," it said in a statement.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 26 2025

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