Fawad speaks of stress over 'Abir Gulaal'

Superstar Fawad Khan admits he has been under immense pressure over his latest project 'Abir Gulaal', a cross-border romantic drama that has faced repeated delays before its worldwide release on September 12 (tomorrow).

In a recent interview, Khan said his decision to take on the film was driven by a desire to counter the increasingly heavy themes dominating cinema today.

"The trend is towards intensity, seriousness and violent subjects," he observed. "In such times, a light-hearted, simple love story feels necessary."

Describing the film, in which he stars opposite Indian actor Vaani Kapoor, Khan likened 'Abir Gulaal' to "a palate cleanser — like a meal made from simple ingredients where every flavour can be savoured individually."

Still, he admitted the hurdles surrounding its release left him deeply worried. "I was under heavy pressure throughout," he said, as he speaks about the project's bumpy road to theatres that reflects both production snags and political headwinds.

Originally slated for May 9, the release was first pushed to August 29 before being rescheduled again for September 12 across 75 countries. Despite the global rollout, the film remains barred from India due to the continuing ban on Pakistani artists.

That restriction was reinforced earlier this year by India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), following renewed pressure from groups such as the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The Pulwama attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir had already hardened such policies, freezing multiple collaborations.

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, the film is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens and Aarjay Pictures, with Vivek B Agarwal, Avantika Hari and Rakesh Sippy among its backers. Alongside Khan and Kapoor, the cast features Lisa Hayden, Ridhi Dogra, Parmeet Sethi and veteran actor Farida Jalal.

The romantic drama centres on Khan as a UK-based chef, weaving cross-cultural themes into a love story. Its soundtrack, composed by Amit Trivedi, has already struck a chord online, with several songs gaining traction ahead of the film's release.

For Khan, 'Abir Gulaal' marks his first Bollywood role in nearly a decade. He made his Indian debut in 2014 with Khoobsurat and followed it with acclaimed turns in Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. The 2016 ban on Pakistani artists, however, abruptly cut short his Bollywood trajectory, shelving multiple projects.

With more than 1,000 screens booked in 75 countries, the international strategy for 'Abir Gulaal' signals confidence among its producers. Trade observers expect diaspora audiences in North America, Europe and the Middle East to be central to its box office performance.

In Pakistan, anticipation has been high. The pairing of Khan with a Bollywood co-star after years has stirred excitement among fans, fuelling strong pre-release buzz.

Beyond its entertainment value, the film highlights the ongoing challenges of cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. While audiences across the region remain eager for cross-border collaborations, political restrictions continue to narrow that space.