With the much-awaited release of Abir Gulaal set for May 9, 2025, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was gearing up for a grand return to Bollywood. However, the recent terror attack in Pahalgam has cast a shadow over the film’s prospects in India, and now, its songs have been taken down from YouTube.
Two of the film’s previously released tracks—Angrezi Rangrasiya, a vibrant dance number, and Khudaya Ishq, a heartfelt romantic melody—have suddenly disappeared from YouTube India without explanation.
Indian viewers can no longer access these songs, which were first posted to the official YouTube channel of the movie's production company, A Richer Lens Entertainment. Additionally, it appears that Saregama, the record label that owns the soundtrack rights, has taken the songs down from its own YouTube channel.
Despite the disappearance of the tracks, neither the producers nor the film's lead actors have issued an official statement. However, it was quickly noticed that Vaani Kapoor, who stars alongside Fawad Khan, had deleted a promotional video featuring him, which she had shared on April 22—the same day as the Pahalgam attack.
As exhibitors continue to be wary of the current sentiment following the tragic incident, there are increasing rumours that the film's release may be postponed.
This has led to a wave of backlash against Kapoor, with social media users trending hashtags like #BoycottVaaniKapoor. Many questioned her silence on the matter, prompting her to post a heartfelt message on social media: “Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the family.”
Fawad Khan also condemned the attack, stating: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time."
With only a few weeks until its premiere, Fawad Khan's comeback to Indian cinema is now marred by controversy as the movie struggles with the mounting criticism in the wake of the tragic events in Kashmir.
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