Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s much-awaited return to Bollywood has come to an abrupt halt. He was preparing for his comeback through the film Abir Gulaal, which also stars Vaani Kapoor. However, a recent terror attack in Pahalgam has reignited political tensions, leading to a reinstated ban on Pakistani actors working in India. As a result, the film will not see a release in Indian theatres.
The growing unrest has drawn responses from members of the Indian film industry, including actor Sooraj Pancholi. In a recent interview, Sooraj Pancholi voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of Pakistani actors in Indian films. Emphasizing the sufficiency of local talent, he questioned the need to involve actors from across the border at a time of national conflict.
“I think we have enough actors over here. Also, if actors are coming in from there and they are getting paid by us and going back and paying taxes in their country, the same taxes are being used to make bullets. The same tax money is used for ammunition. Why are we paying for their bullets? I see it like that. When the time is right, hopefully, one day, when peace will prevail, we’ll make movies together. But when peace isn’t there, it can’t happen,” he stated during the interview.
This development not only marks a setback for fans of cross-border collaborations but also highlights the complex intersection of art, politics, and national security in the subcontinent.
