Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was all set to make his Bollywood comeback after nine years with Abir Gulaal, which was scheduled to release in theaters on May 9, featuring Vaani Kapoor in the lead role. The film also starred Ridhi Dogra. However, after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the movie faced backlash, and government sources announced it would not be allowed to release in India. Ridhi, who spoke out against the film, faced bullying as a result.
The actress, born and brought up in Jammu, said she spoke up for India but was bullied with comments like, "Arre, but she worked with Fawad Khan." However, Ridhi stood firm in her stance. "Don't bully me. I am as much a citizen of this country as you. When I did that work, I was very mindful of the laws of our country. I didn't do anything illegal. And today, when we are in this situation, I feel I want to stand by my country, my armed forces. And not because I am anything important, but just because you all are too," she told Hindustan Times.
Abir Gulal, a romantic drama helmed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Vivek Agrawal.
Abir Gulaal, which was supposed to mark Fawad Khan's return to Bollywood after nine years, had been facing boycott calls ever since its teaser was released online. The uproar intensified after the ghastly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
While Vaani condemned the Pahalgam attack, she refrained from commenting on Pakistani artists being banned in the country and on receiving backlash on social media.
After the Pahalgam attack, Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities—including Ali Zafar, Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Bilal Abbas Khan, Iqra Aziz, Sajal Aly, Mawra Hocane, and Atif Aslam—were restricted in India amid escalating tensions.
