Fawad Khan will not be promoting Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, state reports

With only a couple of weeks left for the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Karan Johar has decided not to include Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan in the promotions of his upcoming film, reports Indian Express.

The highly anticipated film, which stars Anushka Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles, also stars Fawad Khan in an extended cameo, but since the uprising against Pakistani artistes working in India and the ban thereafter, Karan Johar has reworked the promotional strategy for ADHM.

According to the publication's source, the three leads along with KJo will be a part of the promotions, however, the Kapoor & Sons actor will not.

"We are waiting for Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor to kick-start the promotions as they are busy with their prior commitments. They will be there to promote the film from mid-October," the source disclosed.

Furthermore, "Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will also be part of the promotions. All four Karan, Ranbir, Anushka and Aishwarya will promote the film. Fawad Khan has a special appearance so he won’t be promoting the film."

The film, which is set to release on October 28th, may face backlash from Hindu right-wing parties, as they demand that the Pakistani actor's scenes be replaced with Indian talent.

Whether the film will be screened in India is yet to be seen. The members of the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) said that they will consider the ban on Indian films featuring Pakistani actors, like Raees, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Dear Zindagi, on Friday, October 7.

COEAI President Niting Datar said, “The members will be meeting on Friday and we’ll decide on the matter. But one thing is for certain – the decision will be taken keeping the wishes and the sentiment of the public. We won’t go against them.”