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Last Updated: April 10, 2025, 02:30 IST
In 2016, a de facto ban on Pakistani performers in India was instituted, but in 2023, the Bombay High Court rejected a petition for an official prohibition.
Sunny Deol shares his perspective on Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinema.
Actor Sunny Deol has openly discussed the return of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan to the Indian film industry, amid an ongoing dialogue about the presence of Pakistani talent in India. In an interview with HT City, Sunny expressed his openness to Pakistani actors working in India.
When prompted to reflect on his past roles in patriotic films such as *Border* and *Gadar*, and whether he supports Fawad Khan’s re-entry into Indian cinema, Sunny remarked, “I prefer not to delve into the political arena, where things tend to get complicated. We are actors, and our work is universal; we are here for everyone, regardless of their background. There’s no issue with that. In this increasingly global world, we should embrace diversity and foster connections among countries.”
Sunny’s comments come in the context of heightened tension concerning Pakistani artists in India, particularly following political frictions. The aforementioned unofficial ban on Pakistani performers began in 2016, but by 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking a formal ban. Fawad Khan is poised to make his return to India after several years with the film *Abir Gulaal*, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, which also features Vaani Kapoor. However, the film has encountered resistance from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), whose spokesperson Ameya Khopkar stated to *Dainik Bhaskar* that they oppose its release in Maharashtra.
The premise of *Abir Gulaal* is described as a “heartwarming tale set against the charming backdrop of London.” The synopsis promises a romantic narrative filled with unexpected twists, emotional moments, and enchanting elements. Viewers can anticipate a delightful mix of humor, heartfelt instances, and the compelling chemistry between Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 9, 2025.
In parallel, Sunny Deol’s forthcoming project, *Jaat*, directed by Gopichand Malineni, is anticipated to release on April 10, 2025.
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