Actor Fawad Khan recently shared a message on Instagram condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam, which tragically claimed 26 lives and left several others injured. In 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.”
Khan’s post came a day after the incident and has since sparked further backlash, with renewed demands to boycott his upcoming Hindi film “Abir Gulaal”, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and scheduled for release on May 9. The film marks his return to Bollywood after nearly a decade, during which Pakistani artists have remained largely absent from Indian cinema since the 2016 Uri attack. Despite this, the Bombay High Court recently dismissed a petition seeking an official ban.
Actress Vaani Kapoor, who stars alongside Khan, also shared her grief via Instagram: “Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.”
In response to the incident, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reinforced its stance, calling for strict non-cooperation with all Pakistani talent involved in Indian entertainment. “In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world,” the statement read.
