Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has condemned the recent attack in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir which killed at least 26 people, most of them tourists.
His comments come amid growing outrage and calls in India for a boycott of his upcoming film.
In an Instagram story posted on Wednesday, Fawad Khan expressed his condolences over the incident. “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time,” he wrote.
Photo: FILE
The terror strike has sparked a wave of criticism against Fawad Khan, who has only recently resumed public appearances and social media activity for the promotion of Abir Gulaal.
The film, co-starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, is scheduled to release worldwide on 9 May.
Soon after Fawad Khan's statement, the hashtag #boycottAbirGulaal began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many users questioned the timing of his return and the involvement of Pakistani talent in Indian films amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Several users suggested that Fawad Khan’s public sympathy was insufficient, and criticised him for being visible only around the release of his films. “Fawad Khan is unlucky for India,” one post read. Another added, “Whenever Fawad Khan stars in a Bollywood movie, the whole subcontinent catches fire.”
The situation escalated further when the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a key industry body representing over 500,000 film and television workers, reiterated its longstanding directive banning Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians from participating in Indian productions.
“The FWICE strongly condemns the heinous and cowardly attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir,” the body said in a statement. “Despite the ongoing directive, we've been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film Abir Gulaal. In light of the attack, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott.”
The group warned of disciplinary action against any Indian production house or individual found collaborating with Pakistani talent. It added that steps would be taken to ensure Abir Gulaal does not release in Indian cinemas.
This is not the first time political tensions have impacted artistic collaborations between India and Pakistan. In 2016, following the Uri terror attack, similar restrictions were imposed.
Fawad Khan’s role in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil drew criticism, and Karan Johar later pledged not to work with Pakistani talent again.
Shah Rukh Khan’s film Raees (2017), which featured Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, also faced protests and limited screening disruptions at the time.
Adding to the pressure, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has also taken a strong stance. “No film featuring Pakistani artists will be released in Maharashtra. We challenge the makers to release it,” said MNS film wing head Ameya Khopkar.
Diplomatic fallout from the Pahalgam attack has been swift. India has suspended provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, shut the Attari border’s Integrated Check Post, and cut the strength of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi from 55 to 30. Pakistani nationals will also be barred from entering India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
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