Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood with the upcoming romantic film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, has sparked both excitement and controversy. While some groups, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), oppose the film due to Khan’s involvement, actress Dia Mirza has publicly supported his comeback.
In an interview with News18 Showsha, Mirza emphasized that art should transcend political and national boundaries. She stated, “Art should not be tied to hatred,” expressing hope that Khan’s return would pave the way for more collaborations between Indian and Pakistani artists.
It’s important to note that Mirza’s comments were made before a recent tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and should not be interpreted as a response to that event.
Fawad Khan, known for his roles in Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), had stepped back from Bollywood following the 2016 Uri attack, after which industry bodies imposed a ban on Pakistani artists. Although the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition for a formal ban in 2023, an informal freeze on such collaborations has persisted.
As Abir Gulaal approaches its release, the debate over cross-border artistic collaborations continues, highlighting the complex interplay between art, politics, and public sentiment in the region.
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