In the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives—most of them innocent tourists—the Indian entertainment industry finds itself at a boiling point once again. Amid nationwide mourning and outrage, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a complete boycott of Pakistani artists, reigniting the long-standing debate over cultural exchange between the two neighboring nations.
The Pahalgam attack, described as the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama incident, unfolded when terrorists opened fire at a meadow in the Baisaran Valley on April 22. Reports suggest the assailants asked the tourists their religion before carrying out the mass shooting. The gruesome nature of the attack has shaken the country and cast a grim shadow over any form of cross-border collaboration.
FWICE’s Swift Reaction
Reacting strongly to the incident, FWICE has issued a blanket ban on Pakistani actors, singers, and technicians involved in Indian cinema and entertainment projects. The body has vowed to ensure that no film or show featuring Pakistani talent sees the light of day in India—including Abir Gulaal, an upcoming Bollywood film starring Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor.
“We will take all necessary steps to ensure Abir Gulaal is not released in India. At this moment, we must prioritize national sentiment and solidarity with the victims,” FWICE said in its statement.
Pakistani Celebrities Speak Out
While calls for a ban grow louder on this side of the border, several Pakistani celebrities have condemned the attack and expressed grief for the lives lost. Fawad Khan, poised to make a Bollywood comeback with Abir Gulaal, broke his silence with a heartfelt message on Instagram: “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.”
Actor Hania Aamir, known for her roles in Mere Humsafar and Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha, echoed sentiments of unity and humanity. “Tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us… When innocent lives are lost, the pain is not theirs alone—it belongs to all of us. No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language,” she wrote.
Actress Mawra Hocane, who previously appeared in the Bollywood film Sanam Teri Kasam, also took to social media to mourn the loss. “My deepest condolences to the affected families… An act of terrorism against one is terrorism against all… What’s happening to the world?”
Farhan Saeed and Usama Khan, two leading names in Pakistani television, joined the chorus of condemnation. Saeed posted, “Heartfelt condolences for Pahalgam victims and their families,” while Khan called terrorism “senseless,” adding, “We should stand against such violence regardless of where it occurs—Pakistan, India, or anywhere else.”
Diplomatic Fallout
The cultural standoff comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions. India has responded to the attack with a series of strong countermeasures. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and shut down the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border. Furthermore, the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisers stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been ordered to leave India within a week.
In another major move, Pakistani nationals have been banned from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, marking a significant disruption in people-to-people contact between the countries.
A Deepening Divide
This tragedy has reignited an already sensitive issue: the role of art and artists in times of political and national crisis. While many argue that art should transcend borders, others believe that national security and sentiments must take precedence.
For now, Bollywood’s doors to Pakistani talent remain firmly shut, and Abir Gulaal hangs in limbo—its fate caught in the complex interplay of politics, public outrage, and collective grief.
As the families of the Pahalgam victims try to piece their lives back together, one truth remains starkly clear: when terror strikes, its scars run far deeper than politics or cinema, touching the very core of our shared humanity.
