The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which left at least 26 people dead, has sparked a long-standing demand to ban Pakistani artists from working in Indian entertainment. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has once again demanded industry-wide non-cooperation, with special attention to an upcoming Hindi movie, Abir Gulaal, casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.
FWICE issues fresh notice
In a statement released by the FWICE on Wednesday condemned the recent collaboration of Khan, despite a standing directive issued after the 2019 Pulwama attack. ”Given the tragic events in Pahalgam, we restate a total boycott of Pakistani actors, musicians, and technicians. Anyone from the Indian industry found violating this stand will face disciplinary action,”the union stated, as quoted by PTI. It also added that all efforts will be made to stop the release of Abir Gulaal, scheduled to be released on May 9.
FWICE represents more than five lakh workers across 32 crafts. The Federation has also warned production houses and individuals not to get involved in any form of collaboration with Pakistani talent, either in India or outside the country.
Fawad’s release statement on the attack
As criticism escalated, Fawad Khan broke the silence with an Instagram story expressing his sorrow. ”Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims…we pray for strength and healing for their families,” he mentioned.
Despite all the statements given by Fawad, public sentiment continues to be hostile. Hastags like #boycottAbirGulaal are trending online, with users urging the government to ban the movie release. One social media user commented, ”If govt is serious, they must ban the film ‘Abir Gulaal..they deserve a full-fledged boycott”. The backlash received by this movie is similar to the ones ignited during the release of Raees and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has also voiced strong objection to Abir Gulaal’s release.