Fawad Khan And Vaani Kapoor React To Pahalgam Tragedy Amid Growing Boycott Of ‘Abir Gulaal’
Recent, attack in Pahalgam has sparked nationwide outrage, intensifying calls for sanctions against Pakistan. In the wake of these developments, social media users have renewed demands to boycott Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s upcoming film, Abir Gulaal. Marking his Bollywood comeback, Fawad stars alongside Vaani Kapoor in Aarti S Bagdi’s directorial venture.
Although the teaser had already received mixed reactions, particularly criticism from those opposed to Fawad’s return, the April 22, 2025, attack has added further fuel to the controversy. In response to the tragic events, both Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor have expressed their sorrow and concern over the situation in the valley.
Fawad Khan condemns the attack in Pahalgam
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has sparked national outrage. While Indian celebrities expressed condolences, Pakistani actors, including Fawad Khan, also condemned the tragedy that claimed 28 innocent lives. The actor, Fawad Khan took to his Instagram handle on the night of April 23, 2025, and shared a story to express his sadness over the lives lost in the attack. In his post he called the attack heinous. He also shared that his thoughts and prayers were with the victims of this horrifying incident. The note was quoted as saying:
“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.”
Vaani Kapoor Responds to Tragic Pahalgam Attack
Fawad Khan’s statement came shortly after his Abir Gulaal co-star, Vaani Kapoor, addressed the tragic incident. The actress reacted to the horrific attack that claimed several lives, sharing her thoughts via an Instagram story on the night of April 23, 2025. In her message, she extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Vaani, who is also set to appear in Raid 2 alongside Ajay Devgn, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
She wrote that she had been left numb and at a loss for words since hearing the news, adding that she was heartbroken over the innocent lives lost. Her note read: “Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.”
Backlash Grows Against Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal
Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan’s response to the Pahalgam attack comes amid the outroar to boycott Abir Gulaal. Amid the escalating tension, the President of Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, Ashoke Pandit has called for a boycott of Pakistani artists and those who collaborate with them. And the President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees has also presented their stance against the release of the film. Ashoke Pandit said:
“This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn’t the first time…these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands not to work with Pakistanis. They come up with crappy reasons like artists or community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. People think, ‘Agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahi mara toh leave it, I don’t care’. But if this film’s heroine or the makers’ family members had been shot by the terrorists, they wouldn’t have worked with Fawad. We will issue an order that anyone who works with Pakistani artists will be boycotted by the industry.”
