- Thursday, April 03, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated Bollywood comeback with Abir Gulaal has hit a major roadblock. Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has openly opposed the release of the film in Maharashtra, citing their strong stance against Pakistani actors working in the Indian film industry.
According to reports, MNS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar has stated that the party will not allow Abir Gulaal to release in Maharashtra. Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Khopkar said, “We only learned about this film’s release today when the makers announced it. But we are making it clear that we will not allow this film to release in Maharashtra because it features a Pakistani actor. Under no circumstances will we permit such films to be released in the state. We are gathering more information about the film and will soon issue a full statement.”
This move is in line with MNS’s long-standing opposition to Pakistani artists working in Bollywood. The party had previously protested against actors like Mahira Khan and Atif Aslam, and even disrupted the release of Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, which featured Fawad Khan in a supporting role.
पाकिस्तानी कलाकारांचे चित्रपट भारतात प्रदर्शित होऊ देणार नाही, हे इतक्या वेळा सांगूनही काही नासके आंबे उपटतातच. मग त्यांना कचऱ्यात टाकायचं काम मनसैनिकांनाच करावं लागणार आणि आम्ही ते करणार, करत राहणार… ‘अबीर गुलाल’ हा चित्रपट भारतात प्रदर्शित होऊ देणार नाही म्हणजे नाही. ज्यांना…
— Ameya Khopkar (@MNSAmeyaKhopkar) April 2, 2025
The controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal has also drawn reactions from political leaders. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam weighed in on the issue, stating that Indian audiences do not have an interest in films involving Pakistani artists. “There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India.
When a film from Pakistan is released, Indian audiences do not prefer watching it. Even if a few people watch it out of curiosity, Pakistani artists have never been able to gain widespread success in India.”
He further added that if the Indian government has a policy regarding Pakistani actors working in Bollywood, it should be strictly implemented. “The decision on whether Pakistani films should be released in India or if their artists should be allowed to work here must be made by the government,” he said.
Abir Gulaal marks Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nearly eight years. The film, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, stars him opposite Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor. It is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. The film is expected to be a romantic comedy, with a unique cross-cultural storyline.
The movie wrapped up a 40-day shooting schedule in London, with production beginning in late September 2024. While fans of the actor were thrilled about his return to Indian cinema, the latest political controversy has cast uncertainty over the film’s release, especially in Maharashtra.
Despite opposition from MNS, the film’s makers have not yet issued an official statement regarding the controversy. Whether Abir Gulaal will face further hurdles or find a way to release remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback has generated significant online discussion, with fans calling it “The Fawad Era is Back.”
