The Hindi film Abir Gulaal, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, will not be screened in India due to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, as confirmed by government sources. Directed by Aarti S Bagdi and co-starring Vaani Kapoor, the film was scheduled to premiere in Indian theaters on May 9.

This decision comes in response to the tragic incident where 26 individuals, primarily tourists, lost their lives in a shooting in South Kashmir's Pahalgam, marking it as one of the most severe attacks in the region since the Pulwama incident in 2019.

On the following day, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its stance on banning Pakistani artists. They have called for a total cessation of collaboration with Pakistani actors, singers, and technicians in the Indian film industry. The FWICE expressed concern over the recent involvement of Fawad Khan in Abir Gulaal.

In light of the Pahalgam attack, the FWICE has once again enforced a comprehensive boycott of all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians from participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects, regardless of location. They stated, 'Despite our ongoing directive, we have learned of the recent collaboration with Fawad Khan for the Hindi film, Abir Gulaal.'

The workers' union, which had previously issued a similar directive following the Pulwama attack in February 2019, warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against those who collaborate with Pakistani artists.

Fawad Khan, who last appeared in a Hindi film in 2016's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which faced backlash after the Uri terror attack, expressed his sorrow over the Pahalgam incident on his Instagram Story. He wrote, '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.'

Vaani Kapoor also expressed her grief regarding the loss of lives in Pahalgam, stating, 'I have been numb, at a loss for words since I saw the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted...'