'Boycott Vaani Kapoor' trends as actress promotes film with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan amid Pahalgam terror attack

Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor is facing intense criticism online for continuing to promote her upcoming film, Abir Gulaal, alongside Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead and several others injured. The promotions, being held overseas, have led to public outrage, with many social media users accusing Vaani of insensitivity and questioning her silence on the incident.

Vaani Kapoor has not issued any public statement or social media post acknowledging the Pahalgam attack or responding to the backlash. Her social media accounts have since been flooded with angry messages calling for a boycott of both the film and the actress. One user wrote on X, “Boycott Vaani Kapoor,” while another commented on Instagram, “His country killnour people and you are touring around with him?” Another tweet read, “Vaani kapoor was doing insta live with Fawad khan to promote her film when Innocent Indian men were being deleted, she didn't even put a story about Pahalgam (sic).”

Abir Gulaal, a cross-border romantic drama directed by Aarti S Bagdi, is scheduled for theatrical release on May 9, 2025. The film has drawn controversy since its announcement due to the casting of Fawad Khan. Promotional events for the film are being held in Dubai due to concerns about potential unrest in India. Opposition to the film intensified after the April 22 attack, with calls for its ban trending online and sentiments echoing the post-Uri attack atmosphere of 2016.

In Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) reiterated its opposition to Pakistani artists working in Indian cinema. MNS leader Ameya Khopkar warned theatre owners against screening the film, stating, “No matter how many times we've said that Pakistani artists' films will not be allowed to release in India, some rotten apples still crop up. In such cases, it will be up to MNS Sainiks to throw them in the trash — and we will do it, and continue to do so.”

Several users online referenced the 2016 Uri attack and its impact on the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which also featured Fawad Khan. One post said, “Last time it was Ae Dil Hai Muskil... just a week before its release, the Uri attack happened. Now, Pehlgam happened around 10 days before the release of Abir Gulaal. Both of the incidents are too much of a coincidence... or maybe Fawad Khan ki kismat hi footi hai.” Meanwhile, a segment of the audience continues to question whether films featuring Pakistani actors should be allowed to release in India. The response to the film and its cast remains divided, with security concerns and public sentiments shaping its uncertain release outlook.