Fawad Khan and Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor have begun shooting their romantic comedy film, Abir Gulaal, at locations in and around London, confirming circulating rumors about Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood.
Aarti S Bagdi (Chalti Rahe Zindagi) directed the film, which was produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. The producers are Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy. It will be shot in the United Kingdom in October and November.
“The film explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence,” Aarti S Bagdi said.
“Fawad has a massive global fan base, and we anticipate that audiences and his fans will wholeheartedly embrace this film, as it showcases him in his most endearing role yet. The chemistry between Fawad and Vaani is expected to light up the screen with their captivating performances and undeniable charm,” Abir Gulaal producers said.
The Humsafar actor last appeared in Bollywood in Karan Johar’s 2016 love drama Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which also starred Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. Fawad Khan’s comeback to Bollywood is especially notable given that the All Indian Cine Workers Association issued a comprehensive ban on Pakistani actors and artists in India following the Pulwama attacks in 2019. Previously, in 2016, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association “banned” Pakistani actors, singers, and technicians from working in India due to tensions between the two countries.
Last year, in a landmark ruling, the Bombay High Court denied a suit attempting to prohibit Indian citizens, businesses, and associations from hiring Pakistani artists. According to a source, a division bench declared that the petition is a “retrograde step in promoting cultural harmony, unity, and peace, and has no merit.”
Following the high court’s denial, the petitioner approached the Indian Supreme Court, which also denied the plea and advised the petitioner against being narrow-minded on the subject.
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