'Numb, At Loss Of Words': Vaani Kapoor, Pakistani Actor Fawad Khan Condemn Pahalgam Attack After Abir Gulaal Ban In India

Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, who are set to star in the upcoming film, Abir Gulaal, condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam with separate notes on social media late on Wednesday night. This comes after netizens and film bodies called for banning their film in India, in light of the attack.

Vaani, who was earlier questioned for her silence on the attack, took to her Instagram stories and wrote, "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 family (sic)."

Fawad, on the other hand, wrote on Instagram, "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 (sic)."

Fawad and Vaani's upcoming film, Abir Gulaal, has been facing the heat in India ever since it was announced. Several political parties and right-wing groups warned the makers against releasing the film in India and people also slammed Vaani for working with the Pakistani star.

The cast and team have been promoting the film overseas, and it is scheduled to release all over on May 9.

But on Wednesday, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, multiple film bodies in India, including FWICE and IFTDA declared that Abir Gulaal won't be allowed to release in India at any cost. President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), BN Tiwari, stated that they won't let Abir Gulaal to release in India, and action will be taken against the makers if they try to do so.

Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, said, We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands not to work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. We will issue an order that anyone who works with Pakistani artists, will be boycotted by the industry."

The makers of Abir Gulaal are yet to issue an official statement.