We are actors, we work for everyone: Sunny Deol

Veteran not opposed to Fawad's return

In an industry often caught in the crosshairs of politics and patriotism, Sunny Deol, arguably the poster boy of cinematic nationalism, has taken a refreshingly level-headed stance on Fawad Khan's return to Indian cinema.

Deol, who famously waved the Indian flag (and a hand pump) in films like Border and Gadar, was recently asked about the controversy surrounding the casting of Khan in the upcoming film Abir Gulaal. The teaser for the romantic drama, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, dropped last week and instantly lit a match under long-simmering debates about cross-border artistic collaboration.

His response was calm, measured, and global-minded.

"See, I wouldn't like to go on to the political side because that's where things start getting messy," said Deol, speaking to HT City. "We are actors; we work for everyone all over the world. Even if somebody is watching or not, we are for everyone. So, it's not like that. The way the world has become, we should stay global and let there be more countries; that's the way it should be."

That last line may have left some scratching their heads ("let there be more countries"?), but the sentiment is clear: art should transcend borders, and actors, regardless of nationality, exist to tell stories, not stir up division.

Backlog on controversy

For those new to the discourse: Khan, who made a swoon-worthy Bollywood debut with Khoobsurat in 2014 and followed it up with Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, had to put his Bollywood film career on pause after an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists came into effect in 2016 following the Uri attacks. The political climate grew tense, and Khan, along with many of his contemporaries, vanished from Indian screens.

Fast forward to 2025, and he's back, charming audiences in Aarti S Bagdi's Abir Gulaal, a London-set love story billed as "a heartwarming tale" sprinkled with "tender moments and pure magic." The film is scheduled for release on May 9.

But not everyone is thrilled. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has openly opposed the film's release in Maharashtra, continuing its longstanding resistance to Pakistani talent in Indian media. MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar reiterated their stance to Dainik Bhaskar, making it clear that they do not support the cross-border casting.

Still, the tides may be turning. In 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking a formal ban on Pakistani artists working in India. And now, voices like Deol's seem to suggest a shift in industry sentiment, one that prioritises artistry over passports.

It's not lost on fans that Deol himself has benefited from the patriotic fervour that films like Gadar stoked. But that doesn't mean he's blind to nuance. His statement reflects a growing belief within Bollywood that storytelling shouldn't be restricted by visa stamps.

Meanwhile, Deol is also making headlines of his own with Jaat, an action-drama helmed by Gopichand Malineni, which hit theatres on Thursday. While promoting his film, he took a detour to speak up about a subject many actors might have sidestepped - proving yet again that Deol doesn't shy away from the heat, whether on screen or off.

As Abir Gulaal inches closer to release, Khan's return remains a litmus test for Bollywood's future: can art overcome politics? Deol seems to think so. And if Bollywood's ultimate patriot is saying, "We work for everyone," maybe it's time we listen.