Tag: Fawad Khan

Celebrity stylist and Toni & Guy North Pakistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shammal Qureshi has shared a heartfelt glimpse into the making of Aabeer Gulaal, a film currently winning hearts internationally but awaiting release clearance in Pakistan.

His social media post, rich with emotion and behind-the-scenes details, has reignited conversation around the cross-border production and the yet-unresolved issue of the film’s domestic screening.

“It’s finally out,” Shammal wrote on Instagram, tagging the official page of Aabeer Gulaal.

“Two months of 5 am call times, 4-hour commutes, and endless long days in London brought together one of the most unforgettable chapters of my career.”

Thanking the cast and crew, Qureshi highlighted the camaraderie on set and gave a special mention to Fawad Khan. “Thank you for having me on your team, being one of my closest friends and trusting me with your look.”

Qureshi’s post came just days after the film’s global release on September 12. Aabeer Gulaal, starring Fawad and Vaani Kapoor, has been screened in cinemas across the UAE, UK, Australia and Canada — but continues to face distribution challenges in both Pakistan and India. Despite initial buzz that it might hit Indian cinemas in late September, India’s Press Information Bureau clarified that no such clearance had been granted.

Meanwhile, Pakistani fans remain in limbo. The film is yet to receive the green light from local authorities for a theatrical release. Frustrated by the delay, several industry figures have spoken out in support of the film and Fawad.

Director Wajahat Rauf urged for a change in approach, saying, “We want to see Fawad on our screens. Fawad is our star. And one of the main producers is UK-based. We need to be better than those not shaking hands on the cricket match,” referring to the recent controversy involving Indian cricket players.

Mahira Khan also threw her support behind Fawad. “He is our star! Our cinemas will benefit from releasing the film too,” she wrote in a social media post. Her message reflected a growing sentiment within the industry that Pakistan should not miss out on celebrating one of its biggest exports due to bureaucratic delays.

In Dubai, the film has already created a stir. A makeup artist who attended a screening commented online, “Dude, we did the screening of the film in Dubai yesterday & everyone was gushing over Fawad’s styling. A job well done.”

As Aabeer Gulaal continues to gather praise abroad, the question remains — when will audiences back home get to witness what the world is already celebrating?

After over a decade, Pakistan Idol is making its comeback, and it’s rolling in with A-list star power.

Pakistan Idol first aired on Geo Entertainment from December 2013 to April 2014, ending with Zamad Baig winning the title in a finale that drew over a million votes. The judging panel included veteran actress Bushra Ansari, rock star Ali Azmat, and pop icon Hadiqa Kiani.

But now, it’s back, with an all-new panel that feels like a musical Avengers lineup: Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bilal Maqsood.

The reboot is led by Pakistani media company MHL Global in partnership with Fremantle. And they’re not just thinking small, the new Pakistan Idol will be broadcast on five networks simultaneously. Apparently, that’s a first for any Idol franchise globally. 

“This platform will not only spotlight talent nationwide but elevate it to the global stage,” said Zoya Merchant, director at MHL, in a conversation with Variety.

To create a buzz, Fawad Khan, in collaboration with Pakistan Idol, dropped an ad on Instagram.

The promo features him as a mechanic encouraging another mechanic, who’s mid-ghazal, singing “Dekh to dil ke jaan se uthta hai, yeh dhuaan sa kahaan se uthta hai” (written by Mir Taqi Mir and famously sung by Mehdi Hassan), to stop hiding his talent and audition for Pakistan Idol.

“Yeh aapki jagah nahi hai,” says Fawad with a serious face.

The other mechanic jokes, “Phir meri kaunsi jagah hai bey?”

Fawad hands over an Idol audition card and replies, “Ustad Billu se Ustad Bilal Khan ban jao!”

The banter ends with Fawad urging the viewer: “Aap bhi Begin app download karein aur foran apna audition bhejein!”

Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor recently posted throwback photos with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, prompting a wave of nostalgia, sarcasm, and political jabs in the comments. The pictures, shared on her official Facebook page, were from their 2014 hit Khoobsurat, which marked Fawad’s Bollywood debut and earned him widespread fame in India.

Sonam captioned the stills: “Magic on screen with Fawad Khan,” reviving memories of their charming on-screen chemistry. Fawad played the royal character of Prince Vikram Singh Rathore opposite Sonam, and his performance won him the Best Debut Male award at the Filmfare Awards.

While many fans appreciated the post, calling the duo a “one-time Jodi with endless memories,” others took a more critical and/or sarcastic approach.

One user commented, “I think every time Sonam fights with her husband, she posts these pics. And she has posted them a lot of times.” Another said, “Ah… so Sonam is stuck in the never-ending cycle of Fawad charm? I get it.”

Some took a dig at Bollywood itself, with a user writing, “RIP Bollywood.”

Others brought in political tones, with a comment saying, “Go Pakistan and do romance with him,” while another added, “Your memories are burning your own Indians.” 

Despite the mixed reactions, many fans from Pakistan jumped in with love and support, saying, “Love from Pakistan, both are looking fantastic.”

This post comes amidst the tensions between Pakistan and India following increased escalation last month, in May.

The relations between the two nations worsened after the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, in which 26 civilians, including tourists, were killed. India accused Pakistan of backing the attack, an allegation Islamabad strongly denies as baseless and one that India has yet to prove.

India has since launched a digital and diplomatic crackdown on Pakistan. It blocked access to the social media accounts of dozens of Pakistani actors, athletes, and public figures. This included celebrities like Fawad Khan, singer Atif Aslam, cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and retired stars like Shahid Afridi and Wasim Akram. The Instagram account of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister and cricket

The teaser and songs of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s upcoming Bollywood flick ‘Abir Gulaal’ have been removed from YouTube and Instagram.

Following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam area of held Kashmir and subsequent cross-border tensions, calls to ban Abir Gulaal began trending across social media. Now, it seems those demands are gaining ground as production companies have taken down all promotional content related to the film.

According to India Today, songs such as Khudaya Ishq and Angreji Rang Rasiya — which had already racked up millions of views — have also been removed from YouTube. The music was released under the banner of Saregama, which had earlier launched the soundtrack at a grand music event in Dubai on April 20.

Not just the songs, but the film’s official teaser — initially released in early April by Dharma — has also been deleted from both YouTube and Instagram. However, Fawad’s co-star Vaani Kapoor still has the teaser up on her personal Instagram account.

With all traces of Abir Gulaal vanishing from official platforms, speculation is growing that the film may face a ban or cancellation in India due to the involvement of Fawad, a Pakistani actor.

While the film’s team is yet to release an official statement regarding a delay or possible shelving of the project, some industry insiders believe that the producers are now considering pulling the film entirely in light of recent events.

Pakistani stars, including Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir, have shared emotional messages in response to the attack in Pahalgam in Indian-occupied Kashmir, but veteran actress Mishi Khan is not impressed. In an Instagram video, she expressed her views on what she perceives as selective empathy and a lack of national pride.

“It’s commendable to advocate for humanity when lives are lost. But when tragedies occur in Pakistan, our celebrities choose to remain silent. Suddenly, when something impacts India, Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir experience the pain?” she said.

She continued to question why local celebrities remain quiet on issues like Palestine or the ongoing violence in Pakistan. “You have never acknowledged Palestine. You haven’t shared about the atrocities happening in your own nation. Yet, when it comes to India, you are quick to express sorrow?”

Highlighting Indian media figures like Arnab Goswami and Gaurav Arya, who often mock Pakistan on air, she remarked: “Do you have any self-respect? Those individuals belittle Pakistanis every day, and yet you extend them love and tears?”

In Mishi’s view, this isn’t about “humanity” but it’s unidirectional appeasement. “You all continuously advocate for love and peace. But love should be mutual. This one-sided admiration isn’t humanity, it’s disgraceful.” She ended with a reminder: “We are an atomic power too. Why can’t we declare that we won’t engage with them? At some point, you must advocate for your own nation.”

Her video triggered significant reactions on social media, with numerous users supporting her viewpoint. Comments poured in: “She’s entirely correct.” “They’re just seeking attention from Bollywood.” 

While some critiqued her tone as severe, others commended her for vocalising what many would not. Her video didn’t simply call out celebrities, it raised a broader question: When will we cease to be silent about our own suffering?

Following Tuesday’s attack on a tourist spot in the Pahalgam area of held Kashmir, several Indian film organisations and social media users have started calling for a boycott of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s upcoming Bollywood film ‘Abir Gulaal’.

While Pakistan has officially rejected Indian media’s propaganda hinting at cross-border involvement in the deadly attack that claimed 26 lives, hardliners are using the tragic incident as a reason to demand that not only should Abir Gulaal be banned, but no Pakistani actor should be cast in any future Indian productions.

While Abir Gulaal marks Fawad’s return to Bollywood, social media continues to flood with posts questioning why Pakistani actors were still being featured in Indian films.

Some users recalled a similar situation from 2016, when Fawad’s film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was released shortly before an attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, which left 19 soldiers dead. The incident had triggered a cultural freeze between the two neighbouring countries, banning each other’s artists and content.

Now, nearly a decade later, Fawad’s return-to-Bollywood film, co-starring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, is set to release on May 9, and promotional events are currently underway in Dubai. However, renewed tensions have once again put a question mark on the film’s fate.

While the film’s production team has shown no intention of delaying the release, it merits a mention that Hindu extremist groups had objected to the film even before the Pahalgam attack, forcing the makers to hold all promotions outside India.