Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan is returning to Bollywood with his next film Abir Gulal, along with Indian actress Vaani Kapoor. The movie is scheduled to release worldwide in theaters on May 9, 2025. But, due to recent political tensions, the music launch event of the film has been rescheduled from India to Dubai.
The decision was taken after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a local Indian political party, protested against the inclusion of Pakistani talent in the Indian film industry. MNS chief Ameya Khopkar openly warned against the release of the movie in Maharashtra, declaring they would not allow any movie with Pakistani actors to be screened in the state.
Given the likelihood of controversy, the producers of the film decided to organize the music launch at a neutral venue. Dubai, a city that has a big fan following for Fawad Khan and hosts international events, was chosen. The launch event will take place on April 19 at the city’s renowned Global Village. Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor, and celebrated composer Amit Trivedi will be present, with Trivedi likely to play songs from the film live.
Sources involved in the production revealed that Dubai was considered a strategic option, not just to steer clear of conflict but also to reach out to Fawad Khan’s large global fanbase.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and composed by Amit Trivedi, Abir Gulal is already making waves. The title track of the film “Khudaya Ishq”, performed by Arijit Singh and Shilpa Rao, has garnered good response on social media.
After the 2016 Uri attacks, Pakistani artists were unofficially banned in Bollywood. Although the Bombay High Court declared in 2023 that such bans are illegal, opposition from some political parties persists. Nevertheless, the filmmakers are committed to their artistic vision and intend to go ahead with promotional activities as planned.
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