Fawad Khan has been eagerly anticipating his return to the Bollywood scene. Just as he was set to make a comeback with the film ‘Abir Gulaal’ after a hiatus since 2016, the tragic Pahalgam attack in Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, has ignited significant outrage across the nation. In response, authorities are implementing stringent measures to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

The Film’s Release in India is Uncertain

In light of the recent attack, there has been a substantial crackdown on Pakistani media platforms. The government has banned over 18 Pakistani channels on a prominent video streaming service. Consequently, it has been indirectly indicated that ‘Abir Gulaal’ may not be released in India at this time, as reported by News18.

Pankaj Tripathi’s Perspective on Pakistani Actors in Indian Cinema

In a recent interview, actor Pankaj Tripathi shared his thoughts on the situation surrounding Pahalgam. He expressed his feelings of sadness, anger, and helplessness regarding the events. When asked about the future of Pakistani actors in India, he humbly stated, “I am not the authority to decide anything. The relevant authorities must make that decision; we have a board for it.”

The Current Landscape of Indian Cinema and Pakistani Actors

Historically, the involvement of Pakistani actors in Indian cinema has been well-received, with stars like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, and Imran Abbas achieving significant success. However, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the earlier Uri attack, an indefinite ban on Pakistani actors has been enforced. Organizations such as the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) had announced this ban earlier in the year. Although a petition to formalize the ban was rejected by the Bombay High Court in 2023, an unofficial halt has remained in effect.

Fawad Khan’s Previous Work in India

Fawad Khan is recognized as one of the most successful Pakistani actors in Indian cinema. He has previously starred in three notable films in India, all of which garnered acclaim. His journey began with ‘Khoobsurat’ in 2014 alongside Sonam Kapoor, followed by ‘Kapoor & Sons’ with Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra, and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ in 2016, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Recent Developments for Pankaj Tripathi

Recently, Pankaj Tripathi has been appointed as the brand ambassador for ‘Euro Adhesives’. When asked about his choice to collaborate with this brand, he provided an insightful response. He stated, “I am very selective regarding brand associations because I have my own values. When they approached me, I researched and found that their values align closely with mine. They started small and have grown significantly. Our partnership will be strong, much like the bond I share with my audience.”