Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, has run into stiff opposition in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has strongly objected to the film's release in the state due to Khan’s Pakistani nationality. This controversy has reignited the long-standing debate over the participation of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema.
Abir Gulaal Faces Backlash in Maharashtra
MNS leader Ameya Khopkar made a firm declaration, stating that the party would not permit the release of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra. According to Khopkar, the makers of the film failed to anticipate the reaction their casting decision would provoke. He emphasized that MNS has consistently opposed Pakistani actors working in Bollywood and will not allow any exceptions.
Echoing similar sentiments, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam pointed to the prevalent anti-Pakistan sentiment in India, arguing that films featuring Pakistani artists struggle to gain widespread acceptance. He claimed that while some viewers may watch Abir Gulaal out of curiosity, the general audience remains uninterested in supporting projects involving Pakistani talent.
