Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan still from ‘Abir Gulal’. Photo Credit: A rich lens entertainment
Upcoming India-Pak cooperation Abir Gulal After a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, he was caught in a political crossfire, killing 26 people. A few weeks before its release on May 9, the film starring Favad Khan and Wani Kapoor is facing a growing backlash, and its promotional material is already being scrubbed from Indian platforms.
Two songs from the film – Dyed loveA romantic gathagit, and Angrezi RedsiaA dance track – YouTube has been removed from India. Initially a rich lens video published on the official channel of entertainment is now inaccessible to the Indian audience. Music label Sargama, who holds the rights of the soundtrack, has also removed songs from his own YouTube channel.
No official explanation has been released by the film’s makers or its leading actors. However, the backlash has intensified since 22 April, on the same day the Pahgam attack occurred, in which users saw that Wani Kapoor had removed a campaigner post with co-stagger Favad Khan. Online criticism has increased since then with hashtags such as #Boycottvaanikapoor trending on social media.
Under pressure, Kapoor posted a message expressing his grief: “Sunnah, at the loss of words, ever since I saw an attack on innocent people in Pahgam. Tickling. Fabricated. Disclaimed. My prayers are with the family.” Favad Khan also released a statement, condemning the violence and prayed for the victims.
Despite their reactions, resentment has not diminished. FWIS President BN Tiwari has publicly declared Abir Gulal Release should not be allowed in India, warning of results if distribution is attempted. IFTDA chief Ashok Pandit strengthened the stance, ensuring that Indian artists who collaborated with Pakistani talent could face the results of the serious industry.
Published – April 24, 2025 01:56 pm IST
