Tag: Fawad Khan

Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor, who stars opposite renowned Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal, couldn’t stop praising him during a recent interview, saying “he was born for films”.

“He was born to work in films,” Kapoor said while speaking to Red FM India as part of the film’s promotions.

She also named him as her favourite actor. “Since I shot with Fawad recently and his film is about to release, I’d say he’s my favourite actor.”

Kapoor admired his personality, calling him “supportive”, and said she genuinely enjoyed working alongside the Pakistani heartthrob.

Meanwhile, the film’s second song English Rang Rasiya was released on April 18 and quickly gained traction, racking up 2.8 million views within a few hours. This follows the success of its first track, Khudaya Ishq, which also became a hit.

Earlier this month, a short teaser of Abir Gulaal was unveiled, with the official release date set for May 9.

Despite threats from Hindu extremist groups over Fawad Khan’s casting and the film’s India release, the team behind Abir Gulaal remains firm in their decision and is fully committed to releasing the film on schedule.

Interestingly, several Indian celebrities, including Sunny Deol, Sushmita Sen and Ameesha Patel, have also voiced their support for Fawad Khan’s Bollywood return, calling his presence in Indian cinema a positive step for both countries.

Renowned actor Fawad Khan is all set to return to Bollywood after nine years with the upcoming film Abir Gulaal. The romantic drama, starring Fawad alongside Vaani Kapoor, is set for release on 9 May 2025.

According to media reports, the actor has tripled his remuneration for this highly anticipated comeback. His return has created a buzz in India, particularly among fans who’ve been eagerly waiting to see him back on the big screen.

Despite threats from Hindu extremist groups, the film’s first romantic track, Ishq Khudaiya, has been released following the teaser. Sung by Arijit Singh and Shilpa Rao, the song is already gaining attention online.

Several Bollywood celebrities have spoken out in support of Pakistani artists amid the backlash. Meanwhile, Fawad Khan’s reported fee for Abir Gulaal is also making headlines.

The report notes that Fawad typically charges between Rs 1.5 million and Rs 2 million per episode for Pakistani dramas, while his standard film fee hovers around Rs 20 million.

For Abir Gulaal, however, Fawad is reportedly charging between Rs 50 million and Rs 100 million — a significant jump. In comparison, his co-star Vaani Kapoor is said to be earning around Rs 15 million for the film.

Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Abir Gulaal has been shot against the scenic backdrop of London. So far, the film’s team has neither confirmed nor denied the reports surrounding the lead actors’ pay.

Fawad Khan was last seen in Bollywood in the 2016 hit Kapoor & Sons. His return after nearly a decade has been described as a treat for fans on both sides of the border.

Renowned Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen turned heads with her stunning presence at a high-profile fashion event in Mumbai last night. Dressed in an elegant silk outfit, she effortlessly owned the red carpet, radiating grace and confidence.

But it wasn’t just her style that caught the media’s attention — it was her powerful statement in support of actor Fawad Khan that left everyone talking. 

While interacting with InstantBollywood at the event, Sushmita was asked by a reporter about the controversy around Abir Gulal and Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan’s comeback.

The reporter asked, “Fawad Khan is making a comeback with Abir Gulal. Many people are saying that no one from Pakistan should be cast. What would you like to say?”

Smiling, Sushmita responded, “I would just like to say that art has no border. An artist connects from heart to heart, not through borders.”

Her comment quickly gained traction on social media, with fans and celebrities praising her bold yet thoughtful words. Many hailed her for standing up for artistic freedom at a time when opinions are often divided.

Fawad Khan, who has a strong fan base across India and Pakistan, is making a much-anticipated return to Indian cinema. While many are thrilled, right-wing hardliners have expressed reservations — something Sushmita addressed with both style and strength.

In an industry full of noise, Sushmita Sen continues to be a voice of reason — reminding everyone that talent knows no border.

While social media is abuzz with debates over Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood, one voice from across the border has stood out, and surprisingly, it’s none other than Sunny Deol.

In a recent interview with HT City, the Indian actor and politician responded to a question about Fawad Khan’s reported comeback to Bollywood with a new film. Instead of dodging the delicate subject of cross-border talent collaborations, Sunny delivered a direct and thoughtful reply: “We work for everyone.”

The Gadar star, often linked to patriotic films, adopted a mature viewpoint, stating, “As an artist, I think we should just do our work and not get into anything else.”

This comes at a time when Indian social media platforms are divided between excitement and mixed opinions over Fawad’s return to Indian screens. Some are thrilled to see the Zindagi Gulzar Hai heartthrob grace Bollywood again after nearly a decade, while others view it as controversial.

However, with Sunny Deol, a figure traditionally associated with nationalist cinema, openly insisting that there shouldn’t be any problem working with Pakistani artists, the prevailing narrative may be undergoing a change.

Fawad’s last film appearance in Bollywood was in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil back in 2016. Following the Uri attacks, Pakistani actors encountered an unofficial ban on working in India, resulting in multiple projects being cancelled. Yet here we are in 2025, with a prominent Indian filmmaker casting Fawad in a significant role and receiving support from an Indian actor-politician.

Will this signify a new phase for cross-border cinema, or will the backlash overshadow it before it even starts? Regardless, one thing is certain: art continues to possess the ability to unite.

The return of Fawad Khan, Pakistan’s superstar, to Bollywood has sparked debate in India. The actor is set to star in the romantic comedy Abir Gulaal alongside Vaani Kapoor, scheduled for release on 9 May 2025. However, ahead of its debut, the film is facing fierce opposition from political figures and industry leaders, particularly in Maharashtra.

Veteran filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, also the President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), has voiced strong opposition to Fawad’s casting. He told IANS that the entire nation would react negatively to the return of the Pakistani actor. He expressed disappointment with the Indian film industry for continuing to work with Pakistani artists despite an unofficial ban following the 2016 Uri attack. Pandit questioned the notion of “art having no boundaries”, stating that there should be accountability when it comes to showing solidarity with the nation.

Pandit further added, “Which Pakistani artist has ever spoken out after an attack on Indian soldiers or civilians?” He warned that releasing the film could stir public anger and lead to mass protests.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has also strongly opposed the film’s release in the state. They have vowed to block the movie, with a leader daring the filmmakers to release it. Similarly, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticised the popularity of Pakistani artists, saying that Indian audiences avoid watching Pakistani films and actors despite their curiosity. He stated, “There is widespread hatred for Pakistan in India,” adding that Pakistani artists should work within their own film industry.

Fawad Khan, who has starred in Bollywood hits like Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), was absent from Indian cinema following political tensions after the Uri attack, which led to a ban on Pakistani artists. While a petition to formally ban Pakistani artists was dismissed by the Bombay High Court in 2023, the industry still follows an unwritten rule avoiding Pakistani talent.

As Abir Gulaal prepares for its release, the film finds itself at the centre of a political and cultural debate, raising questions about the intersection of art, politics, and national sentiment.

The teaser for Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistan’s Fawad Khan and Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor, has set social media abuzz, with fans swooning over the duo’s crackling chemistry. The romantic comedy, set to release on May 9, marks Khan’s return to Bollywood after years, and fans believe he is the only actor who can match Shah Rukh Khan’s charm in romance.  

The teaser offers a glimpse into a heartwarming romance set in the scenic streets of London, filled with unexpected turns, laughter, and moments of pure magic. Fawad and Vaani share electric chemistry, making this love story all the more enchanting.  

The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Indian Stories and A Richer Lens in association with Aarjay Pictures. The producers include Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.

“The World is Healing”: Fans React

The teaser has evoked an emotional response from fans, many of whom have been waiting for Khan’s return to Bollywood since his last film, Kapoor & Sons (2016).

This era is finally back!”

“Fawad is the king of romance after SRK.”

“We just can’t wait, sending all the love from the UK.”

“His eyes! The moment I saw him, I knew good days are back.”

With Khan’s heartthrob status in both Pakistan and India, Abir Gulaal is already one of the most anticipated romantic films of the year.

Fawad Khan has never appeared on Hasna Mana Hai, and Tabish Hashmi knows why

 Fawad Khan, one of Pakistan’s biggest stars, has not appeared on the hit comedy show Hasna Mana Hai, but there is a reason why. Host Tabish Hashmi opened up about why the Humsafar actor hasn’t joined him on the show.

While giving an interview to Independent Urdu, Tabish explained the real reason behind Fawad Khan’s absence and revealed the kind of guests he prefers on his show.

“Do Pakistani actors ask for too much money? Why hasn’t Fawad Khan appeared on your show yet,” Tabish was asked.

He replied, “Fawad Khan hasn’t come on my show, no, absolutely not. Big artists don’t become small by coming on my show. Fawad Khan is a big artist. Many people love him, and he’s mainstream, but I feel Fawad Khan is a serious person.”

Hashmi went on to explain that he prefers his guests to be lively and match the energy of his show Hasna Mana Hai.

“On my show, I try to make sure the guests are bubbly and match my energy, if I feel like I have to be too formal with the guest, or if I can’t ask certain questions and have to keep it serious, then it doesn’t suit the vibe of the show. It’s not about the guest or how grand they are, or whether they are big or small. The show has its own value, and my job is to make sure it’s always the best, whether the guest is big or not,” he explained.

The comedian then talked about fame and money: “When a person establishes their career, they are left with two things: First, where can they get the opportunity to do the work they’re doing in a better way? Second, where can they get more money for their work?”

Tabish Hashmi talked about how mainstream media has more power than social media.

“Social media has a limited audience, meaning only a specific kind of person will watch you, and only a specific group of people will like you. Mainstream media or mass media is different in that anyone from any social or economic class knows you and recognizes you, whether you’re standing on the street or in a big building. The influence you have, the feeling of power, is greater in mainstream media,” he concluded.

Hasna Mana Hai airs on Geo Entertainment from Friday to Sunday.

Superstar Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood with the upcoming film Abir Gulaal with Vaani Kapoor has generated buzz on both sides of the border. 

In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, co-actor Ridhi Dogra revealed that she ensured all legal checks were clear before signing the project with Fawad Khan. “I don’t think there’s a division in art. Whenever we watch something, we watch it for the characters. We don’t see nationality. I kept that in mind when choosing to work on the film.”

She added, “The only care I took was in confirming whether or not I am allowed to work with said nationality (Pakistanis). And yes, our country and government permit us to do so. I did that homework.”

Ridhi also shared, “People often told me to pursue a career abroad because it might be spiritually beneficial, but my love for our national heritage keeps me working in my home industry.”

The actors flew to London and began filming for the project in October. Director Aarti S Bagdi told Variety that the romantic-comedy story serves as a healing journey for the two main characters, who discover love along the way.

Fawad’s return follows the 2019 ban by the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Pakistani actors, which was imposed after tensions between the two countries escalated after the Pulwama attack.

In late 2023, the Bombay High Court relaxed the restrictions, and the Supreme Court dismissed a petition to ban Indian citizens from working with Pakistani artists.

Fawad’s last Bollywood project was the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil where he played a secondary love interest. The film starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai.

Author and drama writer Farhat Istiaq’s novel Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo is making its way to a Netflix adaption with fans eagerly awaiting the release of the much anticipated drama series.  

             
Farhat has shared some exciting details about the fairly secretive upcoming series on Connect Cine. 
  

Indian journalist Faridoon Shahryar asked, “What is the latest update of Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo?”
 
 “Insha’Allah, most likely it will be released next year. Our shooting is complete, and you’ll witness a high-quality product, shot in Italy, the UK, Islamabad, Karachi, and across multiple locations. It has a vibrant mix of locations, adding an enjoyable flair. Italy, for instance, holds special significance as I was inspired by my years spent there, I adore its history and the love I developed for the place led me to write a novel centered around it.” 

 Italy plays a key role in Farhat Ishtiaq’s novel, almost acting as a character.
  

“In fact, Italy itself is almost like a character in the novel, featuring the cities of Rome, Milan, and Florence as integral parts of the story. So naturally, in the drama adaptation, Italy will also play a key role, with all the places I mentioned in the novel beautifully depicted on screen,” she explained.
 
The Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum writer also highlighted the challenges of adapting a novel for the screen, particularly for an OTT platform like Netflix.  

Farhat said, “In novels, you’re freer to express, but for a screen adaptation, especially an OTT platform, adjustments have to be made to meet different requirements. The essence of the novel, however, remains intact.”

                                                                     
The host asked, “Who are your favorite writers?”

“I have many, I love reading Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s, Ahmed Faraz, Munir Niazi poetry deeply touches me, a good verse stays with me for days, and I can live happily with it for a long time. Although I don’t write poetry , I greatly admire its beauty, the way a poet can convey what would take pages to express in a novel with just a couple of lines. Among fiction writers, Bano Qudsia, Ashfaq Ahmed, and Qurratulain Hyder stand out, and in English literature, Shakespeare and Thomas Hardy. I read everything, I enjoy good and bad literature and don’t just restrict myself to good literature; I enjoy reading everything, even things that are considered  not-so-good,” Farhat concluded.