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.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.