In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, calls for a ban on the upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal have gained significant traction. The romantic comedy, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, is set to release on 9 May. However, the recent tragedy, along with ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, has fuelled outrage among some sections of the Indian public, leading to a demand for the film’s cancellation.
Social media demands a ban on Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal as tensions between India and Pakistan rise after the deadly Pahalgam attackYoutube
The controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal isn’t new; the casting of Fawad Khan, a Pakistani national, has sparked debates since the film's announcement. Social media platforms are abuzz with users questioning the Indian film industry's decision to feature Pakistani actors amid strained diplomatic relations. Some have even questioned whether it is appropriate to release such films during periods of heightened national security concerns. One social media user expressed frustration, writing, "Why are Pakistani actors still being allowed to work in India when our soldiers are being martyred?"
This is not the first time that a Fawad Khan-starrer has faced backlash following a terrorist attack. In 2016, his role in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil saw protests and demands for a ban following the Uri attack. Despite the controversy, the film was released, though it became a focal point for discussions about the role of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema.
The Abir Gulaal issue has also drawn political attention. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has strongly opposed the film’s release in Maharashtra, reiterating its long-standing stance against Pakistani artists working in India. The MNS has issued warnings to distributors and theatre owners, citing national security concerns and the impact on the local film industry.
As the release date of Abir Gulaal draws closer, the film's future hangs in the balance. The debate surrounding it brings to light the challenges of navigating the intersection of entertainment, politics, and national sentiment, as the country continues to grapple with complex geopolitical realities.
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Jason Ralph fuels speculation over Rachel Brosnahan marriage after controversial Instagram activity
Rachel Brosnahan marriage speculation grows after Jason Ralph’s controversial Instagram activity
Highlights
Rachel Brosnahan’s husband, actor Jason Ralph, is at the centre of a heated social media debate after he liked a provocative Instagram comment about her on-screen chemistry with Superman co-star David Corenswet. The online reaction has been swift, with fans speculating whether his action was a subtle dig, a careless mistake, or simply a misunderstood joke.
The comment in question accused Brosnahan of crossing boundaries with a co-star and suggested Ralph should “stand up for himself” and “leave her.” Within hours, screenshots of Ralph’s ‘like’ were circulating across Reddit, X, and Instagram gossip pages. Soon after, Ralph disabled comments on his posts, but by then, the digital trail was impossible to erase.
When did Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph get married?
Brosnahan and Ralph first met while working on the indie film I’m Obsessed With You in 2013. After several years of dating, the pair quietly tied the knot—so quietly, in fact, that the public only learned about it years later.
In a 2019 interview, Brosnahan revealed that she had been wearing her wedding ring for some time before speculation began, adding:
“We’ve been married for years and been together for even longer. We had a good laugh when the news came out that we had just got married like, ‘Happy six-month anniversary, honey!’”
The couple’s decision to keep their marriage private was intentional. Brosnahan explained that she disliked the double standard in media coverage, where she was constantly asked about her relationship while Ralph was not.
Have they worked together professionally?
Yes. Ralph appeared alongside his wife in the hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, joining in seasons four and five as Mike Carr. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Ralph praised Brosnahan’s leadership on set, saying:
“She’s just the best, and I feel very lucky to see her command a set like that.”
Their collaboration was warmly received by fans, and until now, the couple has maintained an image of mutual respect and professional admiration.
What did Jason Ralph ‘like’ on Instagram?
The controversy began when Ralph liked a comment on one of his posts that read:
“It’s genuinely sad to see your career being tucked out to be remembered as a cuckold because your wife couldn’t handle herself with her co-actor. Like bro, let’s have some self-love and stand up for yourself, leave her to be with him if she wants that much.”
The remark, widely interpreted as targeting Brosnahan’s scenes with David Corenswet in Superman, was seen by many as insulting and sexist. Fans immediately questioned why Ralph would engage with it at all.
Was it intentional or a mistake?
Social media reactions are split. Some argue that it was likely an accidental double-tap, noting that Ralph’s Instagram activity is minimal and sporadic. Others believe it was deliberate, citing his history of dry humour and occasional trolling behaviour online.
Regardless of intent, the timing has amplified speculation. Brosnahan’s chemistry with Corenswet has been heavily discussed since the film’s release, and this incident has only fuelled more rumours about their personal lives.
What’s next for the couple?
Neither Brosnahan nor Ralph has publicly commented on the incident. Given their preference for privacy, it’s unlikely they will address the speculation directly. Still, with screenshots continuing to circulate, the story has already left its mark on fan discussions around the couple. Whether the Instagram ‘like’ was a slip of the finger or a calculated move, it has put an unusually public spotlight on one of Hollywood’s most private marriages. For now, the internet is left to debate: accident, sarcasm, or subtle message?