Fans upset as Karan Johar fails to mention Fawad Khan in 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' tribute

Many disappointed as the Indian filmmaker penned a lengthy note to the cast, with no mention of the Pakistani star

On Friday, Karan Johar took a trip down memory lane and treated fans to a series of pictures on Instagram of the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil cast. The pictures showcased behind-the-scenes moments from the set in 2016 featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai.

Karan captioned the post with a heartwarming note and wrote, "The experience of filming ADHM was one of my best on-set experiences." In the caption, he continued to praise the three actors for their talent and commitment to their roles, writing, "Anushka and Ranbir were such a treat to direct… I always wanted to direct Aishwarya and she gave Saba so much dignity, poise, and beauty."

Within the same message, the filmmaker reflected on how he 'got to know and understand “the Ranbir process” and deeply respect it.' He continued to mention how he grew closer to the Animal actor through the filming process. "I got to know and love him as a person and appreciate his detachment from stardom or movie star trappings," he wrote.

Soon after the Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani director shared the post, followers immediately started reminiscing about the film in the comments. However, many noticed that Fawad's name was missing from the note and took to the comments section to express their disappointment.

An Instagram user commented, "The caption is so beautiful, but not a single line for Fawad? Why, Karan?" Another user wrote, "How smoothly you skipped mentioning Fawad Khan… Surely it wouldn't have been that damaging? Disappointed here in Lahore."

This is not the first time Karan has been controversial when it comes to his professional relationship with Fawad. In 2017, during a session with two-time Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the Student of the Year director subtly hinted that he would not be open to working with Fawad (and presumably other Pakistani artists) in the future.

“It was a tough time for me. I don't think I would want to repeat that experience ever,” said Karan when Sharmeen said she hoped to see Fawad directed by him again. Karan continued to say that he wishes Fawad would find the best platform to showcase his talents. “I have great regard for Fawad’s talent. So just like you [Sharmeen], I hope and wish he finds the best platforms because he is a prolific actor.”

Later in 2018 on Koffee with Karan, in a game of rapid fire between Sonam Kapoor and her siblings, the former was asked who she pairs well with on screen. When her brother, Harshvardhan, suggested Fawad, Sonam quickly jibed back with, “But Karan sent him back!”

The statement was met with a look of horror from Karan. He then avoided commenting on the matter and asked Sonam for another name, to which she replied, Salman Khan.