New Delhi: 

Fawad, who is set to return to the Hindi film industry with “Abir Gulaal” after almost nine years, shared his anguish over the strike in an Instagram Story on Wednesday night.

“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,” the “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” star wrote.

His co-actor Vaani, whose next release is “Raid 2”, also shared a post on her Instagram Stories.

Pakistani film star Fawad Khan and Indian actor Vaani Kapoor say they are deeply saddened and gutted over the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam as growing calls to ban their upcoming film “Abir Gulaal” continue to intensify.

On Tuesday, 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down in a terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam. It is being described as the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

“Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families,” she wrote.

Their responses come shortly after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its directive on Wednesday, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry.

“Despite the ongoing directive, we’ve been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film, ‘Abir Gulaal’.

“My deepest condolences to the affected families… What’s happening to the world,” she wrote.

Aamir, who is popular with Indian fans for her Pakistani dramas “Mere Humsafar” and “Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum”, said tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us.

“My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief, and in hope—we are one. When innocent lives are lost, the pain is not theirs alone—it belongs to all of us. No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language. May we choose humanity, always.” Her “Mere Humsafar” co-star Saeed posted on Instagram Stories: “Heartfelt condolences for Pahalgam victims and their families.” Earlier this month, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, strongly opposed the release of “Abir Gulaal” in India.

No Pakistani artist has worked in the Indian film industry following 2016’s Uri terror attack.

Terrorist struck an Indian Army base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir a month before the release of “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”, featuring Fawad who had by then amassed a massive fan following in India courtesy Pakistani serials “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” and “Humsafar”. The Pakistani star had already featured in two Hindi movies — his Bollywood debut “Khoobsurat” (2014) and “Kapoor & Sons” (2016).

The release of “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” was left in limbo due to Fawad’s involvement in the film, directed by Karan Johar, in the aftermath of the Uri terror attack. In response to the controversy, Johar issued an apology and pledged not to collaborate with Pakistani artists in the future.

Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan’s “Raees” also ran into trouble for featuring Pakistani star Mahira Khan, who made her Bollywood debut with the 2017 film.

Recently, “Humsafar” co-stars Fawad and Mahira came close to be seen together on the Indian big screen. Their 2022 Pakistani blockbuster “The Legend of Maula Jatt” was set for a release in Punjab theatres last October but was stalled.

“In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world,” the FWICE said in a statement.

The industry workers’ union had issued the directive in February 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

The makers of “Abir Gulaal” earlier this month announced that the movie is slated to be released on May 9.

The FWICE, the parent body of 32 different crafts of the workers and technicians of the industry with more than five lakh members, warned that it will take disciplinary action against those who work with Pakistani artists.

Mawra Hocane, Hania Aamir, and Farhan Saeed were among other Pakistani stars who condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam.

Hocane, who made her Bollywood debut with 2016’s “Sanam Teri Kasam”, in her Instagram Stories said an act of terrorism against one is terrorism against all.

Recently, “Humsafar” co-stars Fawad and Mahira came close to be seen together on the Indian big screen. Their 2022 Pakistani blockbuster “The Legend of Maula Jatt” was set for a release in Punjab theatres last October but was stalled.

Nadeem Mandviwalla, Karachi-based distribution holder of the film, had told PTI that an Indian ministry has obtained a stay order from a court against its release.

The last Pakistani film to release in India was 2011’s “Bol”, starring Humaima Malick and Atif Aslam.

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