Dia Mirza has finally responded after facing backlash for her support of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's highly awaited Bollywood comeback in Abir Gulal. The film has become embroiled in controversy following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April.
The statements, originally made during an interview with News18 while promoting one of her own films, were perceived by some as insensitive in light of recent events. However, Dia swiftly addressed the matter on social media, clarifying the timing and context of her remarks.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “To Members of the Media, STOP misrepresentation of facts. I did an interview for a film of mine on the 10th of April, in which I gave a quote, long before this horrific terror attack. Stop circulating my quotes NOW, weeks after and out of context. This is unethical and deeply offensive.”
During the interview, Dia had expressed her support for Fawad’s return to Indian cinema, stating that art should be used as a medium to promote peace and unity rather than be subjected to hatred or political agendas. She also voiced her hope for future cross-border artistic collaborations.
The attack, which took place in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists and left many others injured, leading to widespread public outrage and intensified criticism of the film’s release.
Abir Gulal has been the focus of intense scrutiny and calls to halt its release have increased in the wake of this national tragedy. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has been adamantly against the project, calling for a complete ban on the film and a general policy of non-cooperation with Pakistani singers, artists, and technicians.
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The group also assured the public that every attempt would be made to prevent Abir Gulal's release in India.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that theatre owners are reluctant to screen Abir Gulal, fearing public backlash. Although the production team is actively trying to convince distributors and cinema chains, the film’s originally planned release on 9 May now appears uncertain. A delay seems likely as several venues have refused to screen a film featuring a Pakistani lead actor.
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