Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was all set to return to the Indian screens after 9 years with his upcoming film, Abir Gulaal. In light of the Pahalgam terror attack, the film, also starring Vaani Kapoor, has now been banned in the country, but nevertheless, the actor has reportedly charged a bomb for the film.
According to reports, Fawad received a paycheck of around Rs 10 crore for Abir Gulaal, which is five times the amount he receives for a film in Pakistan. The actor reportedly gets paid Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh for featuring in television shows in Pakistan, and Rs 2 crore for films.
But despite the hefty paycheck, the makers will not be allowed to release the film in India, which is scheduled to hit the theatres on May 9.
Several film bodies, including FWICE and IFTDA, have banned the release of Abir Gulaal in India after the gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26. The Information and Broadcast Ministry of India also ordered that the film will not be allowed to release in Indian theatres.
The film bodies and authorities have also stated that strict action will be taken against those who work with Pakistani artists in future, including complete boycott by the industry.
Meanwhile, post the Pahalgam attack, Fawad had condemned it and had issued a statement praying for those who lost their lives and the families of the deceased. "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)," he wrote.
Recently, the songs of Abir Gulaal were also removed from YouTube India. The makers and actors are yet to issue a statement on the film's release and ban in India.
