After Ameesha Patel, Sunny Deol has now spoken out about the ongoing controversy surrounding Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinema in the upcoming film Abir Gulaal.
In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Sunny addressed the heated debate that has reignited due to Fawad’s comeback, following years of political tensions and restrictions on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry.
Sunny Deol, best known for his iconic patriotic roles in films like Border and Gadar, offered a surprisingly balanced and inclusive stance on the issue.
When asked whether he supports the return of Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan to Indian screens, Sunny replied:
“See, I wouldn’t like to go on to the political side because that’s where things start getting messy. We are actors; we work for everyone all over the world. Even if somebody is watching or not, we are for everyone. So, aisi koi baat nahi hain (nothing like that). The more the way the world has become, we should stay global and let there be more countries; that’s the way it should be.”
His statement comes amid growing opposition from political groups who have openly objected to the release of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra.
The film, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, stars Fawad Khan alongside Vaani Kapoor and marks the actor’s first Indian film appearance since 2016, when an unofficial ban was placed on Pakistani artists in Bollywood following rising political tensions.
Sunny's support for Fawad Khan reflects a broader call for separating politics from the arts and allowing creativity to thrive across borders.
His comments emphasize the idea that artists have a universal responsibility and appeal, and should not be restricted by geopolitical divisions.
Echoing Sunny’s sentiments is his Gadar co-star, Ameesha Patel, who has also come out in support of Fawad’s return. In an earlier interview with IANS, she stated:
“I used to like Fawad Khan before also. We welcome every actor and every musician. This is the culture of India. So art is art; I don't differentiate. International artists are welcome; all around the world, artists are welcome. In any field, painters, musicians, actors, directors, anything.”
As debate continues to stir online and among political circles, both Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel's remarks serve as a reminder of the unifying power of art and performance—an ethos that transcends national boundaries.
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