Following the Pahalgam Terror Attack, the discussion surrounding the involvement of Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry has resurfaced with renewed vigor. The film ‘Abir Gulaal’, featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, is scheduled for release on May 9. However, in light of the attack, numerous social media users have advocated for a ban on the film. Various political groups have also joined the call for a prohibition on ‘Abir Gulaal’. The situation has escalated for the filmmakers as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded a total ban on Pakistani artists working in India. According to a report from the news agency ANI, Ashoke Dubey, the general secretary of FWICE, indicated that due to the national interest involved, they have resolved to take action against members of the industry collaborating with Pakistani artists and technicians.
He remarked, ‘The ongoing attacks, including the recent incident in Pahalgam targeting our tourists, are disgraceful. We have once again issued a press release stating that if any of our members are discovered working with Pakistani artists or technicians, we will take action against them and cease collaboration.’ Furthermore, Ashoke Dubey mentioned that the organization is reaching out to all associations to discourage collaboration with Pakistani artists. FWICE has also communicated with the Information and Broadcasting Minister, requesting that a formal notification be issued. He stated, ‘If any member from India collaborates with Pakistani artists, a case of treason should be filed against them, compelling them to reconsider their actions a thousand times before proceeding.’
Previously, it was reported that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has opted to prohibit the release of Abir Gulaal in India. This decision followed widespread calls for a boycott of Pakistani artists in the wake of a terrorist attack. Additionally, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reportedly reinstated a comprehensive ban on all Pakistani artists due to the Pahalgam Terror Attack. Abir Gulaal marks Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood, having last appeared in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, after which Pakistani artists faced a ban in India following the Uri attack.
