Fawad Khan, the heartthrob of millions, has always enjoyed a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis. With a career that spans music, television, and films, he has made a name for himself not only in Pakistan but also across the border in India. Whether it was his unforgettable performance in Humsafar or the captivating chemistry he shared with Sanam Saeed in Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Fawad’s charisma and talent are undeniable.
Despite working selectively, his fan following has grown exponentially over the years. But recently, his return to Bollywood with the upcoming film Abir Gulal has sparked mixed reactions among his Pakistani fans. His public appearance in Dubai for the film’s music launch stirred controversy, drawing both excitement and criticism from fans back home.
Fawad Khan Returns to Bollywood After 9 Years
After nearly a decade-long hiatus from Indian cinema—mainly due to the unofficial ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood—Fawad Khan is making a grand return with Abir Gulal, a film set to release on May 9th. He stars opposite Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, and the duo appeared together at a vibrant music launch event at Global Village Dubai.
The event saw Fawad in high spirits. He not only graced the stage with his suave presence but also performed live—singing and dancing, much to the delight of the audience. It was a rare moment for fans to see him so interactive and energetic at a public event.
Mixed Reactions from Pakistani Fans
While the Dubai crowd cheered him on, the reaction from fans in Pakistan was far from unanimous. Social media quickly lit up with discussions, criticism, and debates surrounding his decision to return to Bollywood. Many fans expressed disappointment over his preference for Indian cinema, especially when there’s a strong demand to see him lead high-profile projects in Pakistan.
“He won’t work with Ayeza or Mehwish here, but he’ll work with Vaani in India.”
…reflect a growing sense of frustration among his loyal supporters.
Some netizens went as far as to suggest that Fawad has an “inferiority complex”—accusing him of undervaluing Pakistan’s entertainment industry by choosing to collaborate with less popular Indian actors instead of A-list Pakistani stars.
Indian Backlash and Promotion Restrictions
Ironically, while he is facing backlash in Pakistan, Abir Gulal is also under fire in India. Certain factions have called for renewed bans on Pakistani actors, reigniting a long-standing political and cultural debate. As a result, Fawad Khan is not allowed to travel to India to promote his own film, limiting his promotional efforts to international platforms like Dubai.
This dual-edged criticism has placed Fawad in a complex situation—being unable to freely promote the film in India, while simultaneously receiving criticism at home for working on it in the first place.
The Bigger Question: Loyalty or Career Expansion?
The current controversy brings forward an important question: Should actors like Fawad Khan be held to nationalistic standards when choosing their projects, or should their artistic freedom be respected?
While fans may feel disappointed, it’s also important to recognize the challenges and limitations artists face in navigating international careers—especially amidst political tensions. Fawad’s talent deserves to be seen globally, and perhaps Abir Gulal is a step in that direction, even if it doesn’t sit well with everyone right now.
Conclusion
Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood was expected to be a moment of celebration, but it’s turned into a debate over loyalty, pride, and professional choice. His fans in Pakistan may feel let down, but others continue to support his journey and hope to see him in more local projects soon.
As the release date of Abir Gulal approaches, all eyes will be on how the film performs and whether the criticism surrounding it dies down. One thing is certain—Fawad Khan remains one of the most talked-about stars in the region, and every move he makes sparks headlines and heartfelt reactions.
