Mumbai: Bollywood actress Amisha Patel has come out in support of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, stressing that India’s rich cultural heritage does not discriminate against art based on nationality.
Addressing the ongoing debate, Amisha highlighted that the country has always celebrated talent regardless of its origin, and that the art moves the boundaries. When asked about the return of Fawad in facing the opposition in Bollywood, Patel told IANS, “I used to like Fawad Khan earlier. We welcome every actor and every musician. This is India’s culture. So there is art of India; I do not distinguish art. International artists are welcome; Artists are welcome around the world.
Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinema in the upcoming romantic comedy “Abir Gulal” has ignited important political and industry controversies by ruling the tension on the participation of Pakistani actors in Bollywood.
The veteran filmmaker and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA), Ashok Pandit strongly opposed the casting of the shovel. Pandit said, “The entire nation will react to the actor’s return”, expressing his disappointment with the Indian film industry to cooperate with Pakistani artists despite an informal ban.
Ashok Pandit told IANS, “It is a matter of insensitivity to our national interests. This decision reflects a disobedience for gravity of the situation. Some individuals believe that they are above such cases, as if these issues do not affect them. Many people argue that Arts transfer the national boundaries. Publicly, our soldiers, unruly citizens or our country.
“If you believe that you are above the national spirit, it is necessary that the results are. And I assure you, the whole nation will react to this film. I am confident that there will be extensive protests, to express their rejection to take people to the streets,” he said.
The teaser for the film was demolished on 1 April, causing controversy. Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navneman Sena (MNS) objected to the film’s release in Maharashtra.
Directed by Aarti’s Bagdi, “Abir Gulal” also features Vani Kapoor and was slated to theaters on 9 May 2025.
