Songs From Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal Taken Down From YouTube Amid Post-Pahalgam Backlash
Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians, songs from the renowned Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor’s upcoming film Abir Gulaal have been removed from YouTube.
The tracks, the romantic ballad ‘Khudaaya Ishq’ and the upbeat number ‘Angrezi Rangrasiya’, were both taken down as of April 25.
Originally released earlier this month, the songs have been pulled from the official YouTube channel of the film’s production house, A Richer Lens Entertainment, as well as from Saregama’s official channel..
Also, read| Post-Pahalgam Attack, India Blocks Release Of Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’
This hints that Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood came to an abrupt halt. Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, was scheduled for release on May 9 in India.
However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has confirmed that the film will not be released in the country.
The attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam has reignited strong sentiments against Pakistani artists, resulting in renewed calls for boycotts across the entertainment sector.
As a result, Abir Gulaal has become the latest casualty of this backlash. Multiple exhibitors were hesitant to screen the film, fearing public protest and disruption. An exhibitor told the Hindustan Times that the film’s release might be postponed until tensions ease.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is a romantic comedy that marked Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback nearly a decade after his rise in India with films like Kapoor & Sons.
His career had previously been affected following the 2016 Uri terror attack, which led to a blanket ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film and music industry.
Also, read| Abir Gulaal Teaser Out: Fawad Khan Returns To Bollywood With Vaani Kapoor
In response to the current situation, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reissued its 2019 directive, originally announced after the Pulwama attack, urging total non-cooperation with all Pakistani nationals involved in Indian entertainment—be it actors, musicians, or technicians.
Fawad Khan addressed the incident via Instagram, writing, “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.”
Actress Vaani Kapoor also expressed her grief in an Instagram story: “Have been numb, at a loss for words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.”
Meanwhile, Abir Gulaal was trending on social media with the hashtag #BoycottAbirGulaal, reflecting widespread public outrage.
The situation mirrors the post-Uri atmosphere in 2016, when filmmaker Karan Johar faced backlash for casting Fawad Khan in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, despite his limited role. The controversy then led Karan Johar to publicly commit to refraining from collaborating with Pakistani artists in future projects.
