Abir Gulaal: Trouble intensifies for Fawad Khan's film; FWICE calls for complete ban on Pakistani artistes in India

Post the Pahalgam Terror Attack, the debate over Pakistani artistes working in Indian film industry has once again gained momentum. Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's movie Abir Gulaal is set to release on May 9. However, due to the attack, many netizens called for a ban on the film. Many political organisations too have called for a ban on Abir Gulaal. Now, the trouble has intensified for the makers as FWICE has called for a complete ban on artistes from Pakistan working in India.

As per a report in news agency ANI, General Secretary of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Ashoke Dubey stated that since the matter is of national interest, they have decided to take action against the members of fraternity who are working with Pakistani artistes and technicians. He said, "The continuous attacks, including the recent one in Pahalgam on our tourists, are shameful. We have again issued a press release stating that if any of our members are found working with Pakistani artists or technicians, we will take action against them and stop working with them."

Ashoke Dubey also added that the organisation is writing letters to all the associations to not work with Pakistani artistes. FWICE has also written a letter to Information and Broadcast minister stating that a notification should be issued. He said, "Humara koi bhi sadasya, Hindustan ka koi bhi sadasya agar unke saath kaam kar raha hai, toh uske upar desh droh ka mukadma kiya jaye taaki wo aage se ye sab cheez karne se pehle 1000 baar sochne par (If any member from India works with Pakistani artists, a case of treason should be filed against them so that they think a thousand times before doing it)."

Earlier, reports had it that Information and Broadcast (I&B) ministry has decided to not allow the release of Abir Gulaal in India. This came after many demanded a boycott of Pakistani artistes following the terror attack. FWICE too, reportedly, reinstated the blanket boycott on all Pakistani artistes in light of Pahalgam Terror Attack.

Abir Gulaal was Fawad Khan's comeback film in Bollywood. He was last seen in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, after which, Pakistani artistes were banned from working in India following the Uri attack.