After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on Tuesday (April 22), the atmosphere on social media has heated up against Pakistani artists. Fawad Khan’s comeback film ‘Abir Gulaal’ is at the center of this controversy. Vaani Kapoor and Riddhi Dogra are also playing important roles in this film. It is to be released on May 9. Let us tell you, 26 people died in the attack and many were injured. After this, a demand to boycott the film arose on social media. #BoycottVaaniKapoor also started trending. Riddhi Dogra replied – ‘There is anger, but peace is also necessary’ Riddhi Dogra condemned the attack on Twitter, but some users trolled her by saying that she is working in the same film in which Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is. Riddhi wrote in response, ‘We live in a civilized society, where everyone is welcome. But if needed, we can also close the doors.’ In another post, she clarified, ‘I worked with Fawad when the government allowed it. I respect the law. Yes, I am also angry, but I always speak with dignity.’ She also added, ‘I am an artist, it does not mean that I remain silent. I am also sad, but I try to speak with peace and respect.’ Dia Mirza clarified – ‘My statement is old, now it is being dragged’ An old interview of Dia Mirza has gone viral in which she welcomed the return of Fawad Khan. This statement was given on April 10, but now it is being shared after the terrorist attack. Dia wrote on Instagram, ‘I gave this interview on April 10. At that time the attack had not happened. Now it is wrong and very insensitive to distort it.’ In that interview, she had said, ‘Art should not be associated with hatred. I am happy that Fawad is making a comeback. Such works promote peace and friendship.’ FWICE’s strict stand – no Pakistani artist will work in the industry The film industry’s union Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also issued a strict statement. He said, ‘We have already banned any kind of cooperation with Pakistani artists, singers and technicians. If anyone violates this, action will be taken against him.’ FWICE also said that they will try to stop the release of the film ‘Abir Gulaal’ in India. AICWA demands ban on ‘Abir Gulaal’ The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately and permanently ban Pakistani actor #FawadKhan’s film ‘Abir Gulaal’. This demand has been raised after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, in which 26 innocent Indians lost their lives. AICWA says that releasing a film with a Pakistani actor at such a time is not art, but an insult to our martyrs and an attack on the sentiments of the country. If Pakistan bans Indian films, then why should we promote Pakistani artistes on Indian screens? AICWA has appealed to the Indian film industry not to support Pakistani artistes in future. Memories of 2016 revived This controversy reminds us of the uproar that erupted before the release of ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ in 2016. Even then, after the Uri attack, there were protests over the presence of Fawad Khan. Now a similar atmosphere seems to be building up again with regard to ‘Abir Gulaal’.
