Fawad Khan's Barzakh director Asim supports him for his Bollywood comeback, says "we should celebrate diversity"

Fawad Khan with director

Fawad Khan, a celebrated Pakistani actor, is once again making headlines as he prepares to star in an Indian film. Directed by Asim Abbasi, Fawad's next venture, titled Barzakh has sparked considerable debate, especially from audiences and critics from his home country. The controversy centers around Fawad’s decision to work in Bollywood, with many questioning his loyalty to his own industry.

Appreciate this isn’t my battle, but I am really curious to understand what the problem here is? We are individuals, free to make the choices we want to make for our careers and our fulfilment? Who is any random person to judge the people/geography we want to work with/in? … pic.twitter.com/RkhOYOotEu

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— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) July 3, 2024

Abbasi, the director of Barzakh recently came to Fawad’s defence in a series of tweets. He expressed his bewilderment at the backlash and firmly supported Fawad’s professional choices. Responding to a critical tweet that suggested Fawad should focus on the Pakistani film industry, Abbasi stated, "Appreciate this isn’t my battle, but I am really curious to understand what the problem here is. We are individuals, free to make the choices we want to make for our careers and our fulfilment. Who is any random person to judge the people/geography we want to work with/in?"

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This comment was directed at an X (formerly Twitter) user who had posted, "Btw. Fawad Khan doesn’t 'need' offers from Pakistan, he HAS offers from Pakistan. Tons of them. He has refused most of them. Mainstream, massive projects with A-list writers and actors and directors. But he’s choosing to work with Vaani Kapoor in a rando Bwood film." Abbasi’s response highlighted the individual agency and personal freedom that actors, like anyone else, possess in choosing their projects.

The debate over Fawad’s choice is not new. He has previously starred in several Bollywood hits, including "Kapoor & Sons," "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil," and "Khoobsurat." However, his return to Bollywood comes after a significant hiatus, during which he focused on projects within Pakistan. His decision to return has reignited discussions about cross-border collaborations and the political tensions that sometimes overshadow artistic choices.

Abbasi also remarked on the need to celebrate diversity and personal choices, saying, "We should celebrate diversity and personal choices. We do what fulfils our soul. Doing shows with Zindagi or in the UK fulfils my soul. Perhaps something else fulfils Fawad’s soul. Please, know that we love you all, but we do not want to be held to arbitrary standards." This sentiment underscores the broader issue of creative freedom and the often-unreasonable expectations placed on artists based on nationalistic sentiments.

Despite the backlash, there is significant excitement about Fawad’s upcoming Bollywood project. Directed by Aarti Bagdi, the untitled romantic comedy, which will also star Vaani Kapoor, promises to be a compelling addition to his filmography. The film will be shot entirely in the UK and will explore the story of two broken individuals who come together by a stroke of luck, ultimately finding love and healing in each other.