Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ faces additional fallout after Pahalgam assault as songs pulled from YouTube

Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan in a nonetheless from ‘Abir Gulaal’
| Photograph Credit score: A Richer Lens Leisure

The upcoming Indo-Pak collaboration Abir Gulaal has been caught within the political crossfire following the current terror assault in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left 26 folks useless. Simply weeks earlier than its scheduled Could 9 launch, the movie starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor is dealing with mounting backlash, and its promotional content material is already being scrubbed from Indian platforms.

Two songs from the movie — Khudaya Ishq, a romantic ballad, and Angrezi Rangrasiya, a dance monitor — have been faraway from YouTube India. The movies, initially revealed on the official channel of A Richer Lens Leisure, are actually inaccessible to Indian viewers. Music label Saregama, which holds rights to the soundtrack, has additionally taken down the songs from its personal YouTube channel.

No official clarification has been issued by the movie’s producers or its lead solid. Nonetheless, the backlash has intensified since April 22, the identical day the Pahalgam assault occurred, with customers noting that Vaani Kapoor deleted a promotional publish that includes co-star Fawad Khan. On-line criticism has since surged, with hashtags like #BoycottVaaniKapoor trending throughout social media.

Beneath strain, Kapoor posted a message expressing her grief: “Have been numb, at a lack of phrases because the time I’ve seen the assault on harmless folks in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the household.” Fawad Khan additionally issued a press release, condemning the violence and providing prayers for the victims.

Regardless of their responses, the outrage has not subsided. BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, has publicly declared that Abir Gulaal shouldn’t be allowed to launch in India, warning of penalties if distribution is tried. Ashoke Pandit, head of IFTDA, bolstered this stance, cautioning that Indian artists collaborating with Pakistani expertise might face severe trade repercussions.