After the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, including one foreign national, there is a new wave of anger in India. Many people, including film industry workers, are asking for a full ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian films.

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, who stars in the upcoming Hindi movie “Abir Gulaal” with Vaani Kapoor, shared his feelings on the attack. In an Instagram story, he said:

“Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.”

But even in his message, many film industry groups and political leaders in India are calling for action against Pakistani artists.

Film workers’ group renews old ban

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is a large group that represents over five lakh people working in the Indian film industry, including actors, directors, singers, and technicians. This group had earlier banned Pakistani artists from working in India after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, where 35 paramilitary personnel were killed.

Now, after the Pahalgam attack, FWICE has brought back this ban strongly. They issued a statement saying:

“Despite the ongoing directive, we've been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film 'Abir Gulaal'. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world.”

They also added:

“We would like to emphasise that any member of our organisation or its affiliate associations, such as the actors, directors, other technicians and producers or the production houses found cooperating with Pakistani personnel, will be subject to disciplinary action. Further, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that 'Abir Gulaal' is not released in India.”

Political groups and public join boycott calls

Soon after this, the hashtag #boycottAbirGulaal started trending on social media. Many people are showing their anger towards the film and its makers for working with a Pakistani actor during such a sensitive time.

Earlier this month, Ameya Khopkar, a leader from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), said:

“We have been protesting against this film, against Pakistani artists and Pakistani films. And we will continue to do so. No film will be released here featuring Pakistani artists. And there is no need to release it. I just want to say, show the courage to release it. I challenge you to release it.”

This is not the first time Pakistani artists have faced backlash in India. In 2016, after the Uri attack, artists from Pakistan were banned from Indian films. Fawad Khan was one of the top actors in Bollywood then and had acted in Karan Johar's film “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”. After the backlash, Karan Johar apologised and said he would not work with Pakistani actors in the future.

Shah Rukh Khan’s movie “Raees” also faced problems because Pakistani actress Mahira Khan was in the film.

Government takes tough steps against Pakistan

The strong reaction from the film industry is part of a larger national mood after the Pahalgam terror strike. The Indian government has taken serious steps against Pakistan. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is the top body for national security decisions in India, has made several important announcements.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the attack came when Kashmir was moving forward after peaceful elections and economic progress. He also said:

“Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the CCS decided upon the following measures.”

These measures include:

  • Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a major water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan since 1960.
  • Shutting down the Attari-Wagah border, a key road crossing point.
  • Banning Pakistani nationals from using the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme visas.
  • Reducing staff strength at Indian and Pakistani high commissions.
  • Declaring Pakistani defence advisers persona non gratae, which means they must leave India.

 

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