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Superstar Fawad Khan, who is set to make his Bollywood comeback with Abir Gulaal alongside Vaani Kapoor, has become the latest target of India’s right-wing outrage machine.

Veteran filmmaker and Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) President Ashoke Pandit threatened “protests” against Khan’s return.

In a recent interview with IANS, Pandit criticised Indian actors and filmmakers working with Pakistani stars, citing the unofficial “ban” on collaborations with Pakistani artists. He asserted that the involvement of Pakistanis in the Indian film industry is “disrespectful to the nation’s interests.”

He went on to recycle the claim that no Pakistani artist had ever condemned attacks on Indian soil, in an attempt to justify his call for large-scale protests against art and artists.

“If you believe you are above national sentiment, then it’s essential that there be consequences,” Pandit said, attempting to rally nationalist fervour against Abir Gulaal.

He alleged that the “entire nation will react” — with little regard for the cultural exchange that once flourished between the two neighbouring countries.

Pandit’s comments come at a time when India is witnessing a sharp rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric, especially in the entertainment industry — following the release of Chaava, riots erupted across parts of India driven by communal tensions.

Pandit’s remarks add fuel to this already volatile fire, mongering hate under the guise of nationalism.

This is not an isolated case, and is not the first time Pandit opposed the film’s release. Earlier, he told India Today that industry federations have maintained a non-cooperation stance against Pakistani artists since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Additionally, when Abir Gulaal’s teaser was released, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena immediately objected to the film’s release in Maharashtra, with an MNS spokesperson stating that his party would not allow the film to be screened in the state due to a Pakistani actor’s involvement.

However, there is no official government ban on Pakistani actors in India. The Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking such a ban in 2023, but the lack of a clear policy has allowed figures like Pandit to exploit this ambiguity to push anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim sentiments.

Khan has earned widespread acclaim for his performances in Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016) in India. His acting prowess and immense fan following remain undeniable, despite right-wing efforts to erase his contributions to Bollywood.

Even The Legend of Maula Jatt, a film that had no political connotations, was halted from release in India after a right-wing group objected to it.

Pandit’s attempt to whip up nationalist hysteria over Abir Gulaal follows a familiar pattern — one where artists are targeted to serve a larger political narrative. By portraying Khan’s return as a “threat” to Indian sentiment, Pandit is not only airing his personal views as facts but also inciting hate in an already tense climate.

While major film bodies like the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPA) have, in the past, discouraged collaborations with Pakistani artists, there remains no legal restriction against such partnerships.

Despite this, the industry has largely stayed silent in the face of right-wing bullying. The reluctance to push back against figures like Pandit reflects Bollywood’s growing submission to hardline nationalist forces, leaving artists vulnerable to arbitrary bans and protests.

So far, Abir Gulaal remains scheduled for release on May 9. We’re hoping it will enjoy a smooth run at the box office.