Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor is all set to share the screen with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the upcoming film, Abir Gulaal. And while the film had already angered certain politicians and people of India, the outrage intensified after the ghastly terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.
Vaani is currently busy promoting the film overseas with Fawad by her side, but soon after the terror attack, the actress was slammed for continuing to indulge in the film's promotions and not sharing a single word on social media about the attack.
Vaani's social media handles are now flooded with messages slamming her for working with Fawad and promoting the film even after the attack. People also questioned her silence and called for boycotting the film and the actress as well.
"Boycott Vaani Kapoor," a user wrote on X, while another commented on Instagram, "His country killnour people and you are touring around with him?" "Vaani kapoor was doing insta live with Fawad khan to promote her film when Innocent Indian men were being deleted, she didn't even put a story about Pahalgam (sic)," an angry netizen wrote on X.
Vaani has maintained radio silence on the terror attack and the backlash she has been receiving so far.
Abir Gulaal has been facing strong opposition in India, particularly in Maharashtra, ever since the film was announced. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Ameya Khopkar had threatened theatre owners against screening the film in the theatres of the state.
"No matter how many times we've said that Pakistani artists' films will not be allowed to release in India, some rotten apples still crop up. In such cases, it will be up to MNS Sainiks to throw them in the trash - and we will do it, and continue to do so," he had said.
The makers of Abir Gulaal have been conducting all promotional events of the film in Dubai, due to the risk of unrest in India. It is now to be seen what fate the film will meet in Indian theatres as it is scheduled to release on May 9, 2025.
