Indian-born, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is set for a much-awaited return to Bollywood! Next, he’ll be starring in the romantic comedy “Abir Gulaal,” which is slated to release on May 9. This film makes such a lovely homage to Holi, the wild Hindu festival of colors. Indian fans too are as eager as anybody to watch more Pakistani talent on their screens! The film has been severely criticized and protested against by India’s far right, Hindu-nationalist government. This backlash is an important moment to examine how art and politics should—or shouldn’t—mix in the entertainment industry.
Abir Gulaal” is a romantic comedy with lots of surprises around every corner, set in the streets of London. Last week, Khan shared the film’s teaser on his Instagram. In it, he serenades the very talented Indian actress Vaani Kapoor with a super catchy Hindi love ballad. Since then, the teaser’s release has done little but increase that anticipation – particularly among black audiences.
Fans have been taking to social media to share their excitement about Khan’s return. To Indian film critic Tanul Thakur, this comeback is nothing but “heartening news.” He did stress that Khan’s return is a personal victory. It casts a beam of hope for any artists who find themselves up against the upcoming storms of a fed up political landscape. “Art can truly achieve: collapsing national boundaries, bringing people closer, and giving the fans a reason to smile,” Thakur stated.
In light of the excitement surrounding the film, many fans are optimistic about the future of Pakistani actors in Bollywood. Khan’s return has made her day, and Anisha Pal couldn’t control her excitement as she said, “I am very much glad to see him back in Bollywood. She emphasized that “art and artists shouldn’t get affected by politics,” highlighting the importance of creative expression regardless of political tensions.
However, the producers of “Abir Gulaal” have said nothing in response to the backlash from conservative political circles. Additional threats come from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They have retaliated against Pakistani artists working in India and frequently articulated their anti-Pakistani and anti-artist sentiments on social media. Despite all this, one of the BJP’s national spokespersons boldly claimed that the BJP is not anti-Muslim. Moreover, they highlighted that the community has prospered during Prime Minister Modi’s rule. However, even with this claim, many are still doubtful of the party’s good faith, particularly given the nature of today’s political arena.
Public interest in the campaign has already been elevated. This includes the growing power of Hindu nationalism, a force that is threatening the freedom of artistic expression in India. Some fans are nonetheless delighted to see Khan return. To many others, that doesn’t justify this dangerous precedent for future collaborations between Indian and Pakistani artists.
Fawad Khan’s absence from Bollywood has been notable since an industry ban on Pakistani talent was implemented following heightened tensions between the two nations. His triumphant return with “Abir Gulaal” is a big homecoming for the artist. Beyond its feminist vision, it richly embodies the plight of so many other artists ensnared in the crossfire between politics and art.
“The amount of business this film has done and the kind of boundaries it’s pushed… is going to have a profound effect in the years to come and I hope it continues like that,” – Fawad Khan
Afterward, Shiksharthi Manya told us that she looks forward to Khan’s return. She’s convinced that art can do what nothing else on earth can do—cross borders and bring people together. This perspective emphasizes art as a unifying force amid divisive political narratives.
The mixed reactions to “Abir Gulaal” demonstrate the broader conversation taking place around representation and collaboration within Indian cinema today. Judging by the online response, Khan has been received like a conquering hero by some. In contrast, still others are wary, concerned of the political ramifications that may come from these alliances.
As May 9 approaches, all eyes will be on “Abir Gulaal.” It delivers on the entertainment, but even more so it delivers deep cultural lessons. The film navigates the blurry line between art and activism with boldness. It inspires urgent conversations around ethnicity, nationalism, and the power of narrative to transcend borders.
