Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s big Bollywood comeback with the romantic comedy Abir Gulaal has hit a rough patch just days after its teaser dropped. The trailer, released on April 1, 2025, sparked excitement among fans but quickly drew fire from the Shiv Sena, a powerful political group in Maharashtra. As of today, April 3, 2025, the controversy is heating up, with the party slamming Khan’s return to Indian cinema and raising old tensions about Pakistani artists working in Bollywood.
The Teaser and Initial Buzz
The teaser—a sweet clip of Khan humming “Kuch Na Kaho” to co-star Vaani Kapoor in a rainy London car—had fans swooning. Set for a May 9 release, Abir Gulaal marks Khan’s first Bollywood role since 2016, when a ban on Pakistani artists kicked in after the Uri terror attack. That ban eased up after the Bombay High Court tossed out a challenge in 2023, paving the way for Khan’s return. But not everyone’s rolling out the welcome mat.
Shiv Sena's Strong Opposition
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam didn’t hold back, speaking to ETimes yesterday. “There’s a deep hatred for Pakistan in India,” he said. “When their films come here, people don’t want to watch them. Pakistani artists have never really made it big with Indian audiences.” He’s pushing for a clear government rule on whether Pakistani stars should work in India, saying, “If there’s a policy, it should be followed—decide once and for all.” His words echo a broader sentiment among some in the party, who see Khan’s comeback as a step too far, especially with India-Pakistan relations still rocky.
MNS Joins the Fray
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), another local heavyweight, jumped in too. MNS leader Ameya Khopkar told Dainik Bhaskar on April 2, “We won’t let this film release in Maharashtra—it’s got a Pakistani actor. No way are we allowing that.” Both groups caught wind of the trailer’s buzz and wasted no time making their stance loud and clear, stirring up memories of past showdowns—like when Shiv Sena targeted Khan’s 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil until its release got cleared.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Fans, though, are split. On X, some are over the moon—“Fawad’s back, and I’m crying happy tears!” one wrote—while others back the Shiv Sena’s heat, posting, “Why give Pakistani actors our screens when we’ve got plenty of talent here?” Khan’s got a solid fanbase from hits like Khoobsurat and Kapoor & Sons, but this pushback shows his charm might not sway everyone this time around.
The Film’s Uncertain Path Forward
The film’s team hasn’t said much yet, but the pressure’s on. With Shiv Sena and MNS digging in, Abir Gulaal’s road to theaters could get bumpy, especially in Maharashtra, a key Bollywood market. For now, it’s a tug-of-war between fan love and political fury—and Khan’s stuck in the middle, his trailer lighting the fuse on a debate that’s far from over.