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Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 00:49 IST
Ashoke Pandit did not hold back in criticizing Indian cricketers, highlighting their involvement in matches against Pakistan.
Abir Gulaal is set to mark Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood, but the film is generating significant controversy following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. The casting of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has sparked calls for a boycott amid the existing strain in India-Pakistan relations.
The backlash intensified after the film’s teaser was released on April 1, escalating further in the wake of the violent incident. Ashoke Pandit, who leads the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, vocally opposed the film’s debut. He stated, “This incident is an act of war against the nation… We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first,” according to reports from HT.
Pandit further extended his criticism to Indian cricketers, pointing out their engagements with Pakistani players. He remarked, “People from our country go to London and Dubai to perform with Pakistani artists; the same goes for cricket. Just say no to their matches! They are attacking us with guns, while we are playing with bat and ball.” He cautioned that public sentiment has reached a tipping point and that any professional collaboration with Pakistani artists would likely provoke strong retaliation from the industry. “We will issue an order that anyone who works with Pakistani artists will be boycotted by the industry,” he asserted.
In a similar vein, BN Tiwari, the President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), also expressed their firm opposition: “We will not allow Abir Gulaal to release in India. Action will be taken against the makers if the film is released.”
Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is currently slated for a May 9 release. However, given the staunch opposition from prominent industry groups and the mounting outrage on social media, the film’s prospects for a theatrical run in India appear increasingly bleak.
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