There was a lot of anticipation around Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor-starrer Abir Gulaal, and its music caught attention too. The film was initially slated for a May 9 release, but was later blocked following the Pahalgam attack and ensuing India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions.

But composer Amit Trivedi, who worked on the film’s soundtrack and also attended its music launch in Dubai last month, doesn’t regret the film getting stalled. “The decision [to not release it] was taken keeping India first and I am in support of it completely,” Amit tells us, exclusively.

As a music maker, who invests a lot of time and effort in putting together the soundtrack of a project, does it prick when the project doesn’t see the light of the day? “Yes, it hurts. And it’s not just about this film. I work on all my projects with a lot of honesty and hard work, and they become a part of me. So, when a project gets stalled, it’s bound to disappoint you. We make music for the audience, and as artistes, that’s all you want (your music to reach the fans). But in this case, the scenario was very different. My country comes first, above everything else,” says Amit.

Meanwhile, he is set to perform a charity concert in Mumbai tomorrow to raise funds for cancer survivors. “I associate with such causes whenever an opportunity presents itself. Cancer treatment is very expensive and this is my way of doing my bit,” he ends.