Fawad Khan recently made waves in the news by announcing his comeback to Hindi cinema, starring alongside Vaani Kapoor in a romantic comedy called Abir Gulaal. Fans had been eagerly awaiting official news and a sneak peek at the film, and when the teaser finally dropped, it sent Fawad's followers into a frenzy, ramping up excitement and anticipation for its release.

However, the film's buzz hasn't been all positive. Fawad's return has sparked renewed conversations about the unofficial ban on Pakistani artists in India, prompting political parties to voice their objections. Now, Ridhi Dogra, who also stars in the film, has spoken out about the controversy, and here’s what you need to know.

Ridhi Dogra discusses the Abir Gulaal controversy

Featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor in the main roles, Abir Gulaal is portrayed in its official summary as a touching story set against the charming backdrop of London. The film offers a romantic journey packed with surprising twists, heartfelt scenes, and a sprinkle of enchantment — a charming mix of humor, feelings, and the undeniable spark between the two leads. In the meantime, catch Churails and Dhoop Ki Deewar on Zee5 for your regular fix of Pakistani dramas.

Ridhi Dogra recently chatted with Hindustan Times about the debate over Fawad’s casting and the push for a ban. She mentioned, “The film’s tagline is ‘Bringing love back.’ The goal is to highlight love and the beautiful aspects of life, especially since there’s already so much negativity out there.” Responding to the criticism, she continued, “The internet has turned into a space for conflict. Many people believe that having an opinion means you have to disagree. I want to emphasize the love this film represents — I really hope it can achieve what its tagline promises.”

This controversy traces back to 2016 when an unofficial ban was placed on Pakistani artists in India due to rising political tensions between the two nations. Although there was never an official legal ban, political pressure effectively sidelined Pakistani talent from Indian projects.

In 2023, a petition was submitted to the Bombay High Court, aiming for a legal ban on Pakistani artists in India. However, the court rejected the petition, stating there was no legal foundation for such a restriction.

Sushmita Sen Shares Her Thoughts

Actor Sushmita Sen recently shared her thoughts on the issue during a chat with Instant Bollywood.

When questioned about the ban on Pakistani actors in Bollywood, she responded, “Honestly, I’m not too familiar with the details. What I do believe is that talent and creativity shouldn’t have any limits. In sports and in our creative industry, our imagination thrives on freedom. I hope that applies to everyone — there should be no barriers in that regard.”

Abir Gulaal is scheduled to hit theaters on May 9, 2025.

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