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Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 00:17 IST
Netizens Call for Boycott of Vaani Kapoor’s Film Following Pahalgam Attack
Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan at the launch of the music for Abir Gulaal.
In light of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the upcoming film Abir Gulaal is facing intense backlash from social media users. Featuring Vaani Kapoor alongside Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, the film is encountering demands for a boycott as public sentiment opposes the collaboration of Indian and Pakistani artists during such distressing circumstances.
The recent attack, which claimed the lives of 28 tourists, has deeply affected the nation. In response, numerous individuals took to platforms like Twitter to voice their disapproval of the ongoing promotional activities for Abir Gulaal.
One Twitter user expressed, “Following this attack on our Indian brothers and sisters, every Pakistani artist should face a ban. We condemn this cowardly act.” Another remarked, “Vaani, you need to wake up to the current atmosphere. This movie shouldn’t be released in India.” A third user added, “Vaani, it’s time to be realistic and assertive. Mere physical stature isn’t enough.”
Shame shame vaani kapoor— ???????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? (@AmitKum9448468) April 23, 2025
Vaani Kapoor should be banned from Ads and Films. The producers also need to be held responsible. #vaanikapoor— Palash Jain (@Palash_tation) April 23, 2025
Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, is set to premiere on May 9, 2025. The film is marketed as a touching love story that defies national boundaries, but it has sparked controversy, primarily due to the casting of Fawad Khan.
The recent tragedy has intensified criticism, leading many to question the Indian film industry’s commitment to avoiding collaborations with Pakistani talent in the face of national outrage.
This situation echoes past controversies, notably the reaction Karan Johar’s film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced in 2016, which also featured Fawad Khan, following the Uri terror attack. That incident led to industry-wide calls for a cessation of ties with Pakistani artists.
Currently, Vaani Kapoor and the film’s production team have not commented on the growing backlash, though the pressure mounts for them to take a definitive stance, especially from Fawad Khan.
The prospects for Abir Gulaal’s release in Indian theaters seem increasingly uncertain as public sentiment grows more adversarial.
Source
www.news18.com