In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, the upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, faces significant backlash. As a result, two of its songs, “Khudaya Ishq” and “Angrezi Rangrasiya,” have been removed from YouTube India. These tracks, originally available on the official channel of A Richer Lens Entertainment and music label Saregama, are no longer accessible to Indian viewers.
The film, marking Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood, has become a focal point in the renewed debate over Pakistani artists’ involvement in Indian cinema. The removal of the songs reflects the heightened sensitivities and calls for boycotts following the attack.
Neither the producers nor the lead actors have officially commented on the removal. However, Vaani Kapoor deleted a promotional video featuring Fawad Khan, which she had posted on April 22, the day of the attack. Facing online criticism, she later expressed her grief on social media, stating, “Have been numb, at a loss for words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the family.”
Fawad Khan also condemned the attack, writing, “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 controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal underscores the complex interplay between art, politics, and public sentiment in the region.
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