As Kapoor & Sons clocks 10 years tomorrow, director Shakun Batra reflects on the making of the family drama, starring Rishi Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt.

“There was a two-year gap between when it was written and when it finally got made,” Shakun reveals, adding, “Many actors turned it down. Actors were not comfortable playing homosexuals back then. At one point, I thought I’d never get to make it.”

Eventually Fawad came on board after a brief but defining conversation. “He asked me, ‘Is homosexuality a whisper or a shout?’ I told him it’s a whisper and he agreed immediately,” Batra shares, adding, “We didn’t show anything off-putting. The scene where Fawad breaks down in front of Ratna Pathak Shah saying he isn’t the perfect son, I watched it from the lens of an audience, not a filmmaker.”

The filmmaker also fondly recalls working with late veteran Rishi Kapoor. “There wasn’t a single day when Rishi ji and I did not argue on set, but after watching the film he showered me with so much love... His prosthetics were done by Greg Cannom, the Oscar-winning makeup artiste who worked with Brad Pitt in The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (2008). Even Neetu ji (Kapoor, Rishi’s wife) didn’t recognize him in the get-up.”

A still from ‘Churails’. Pics/Instagram, Youtube

In May, after Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had issued an advisory directing Indian OTT platforms to remove all streaming content originating from Pakistan (This link is broken, May 9). As a result, Zee5 had pulled the plug on its Pakistani shows and Indo-Pak collaborative productions. Five months on, some of those acclaimed shows have found a new home in the Middle East. Executives based in Dubai tell mid-day that several Indo-Pak joint productions, which were formerly housed under Zee Entertainment’s cross-border entertainment vertical Zindagi, have now been acquired by Begin.Watch.

Launched in 2022, Begin.Watch is a Pakistan-based streaming platform. In recent months, it not only expanded its presence in the Middle East, but also secured rights to multiple shows caught in the crossfire of the May ban.

A prominent example is The Pink Shirt, starring Mom (2017) actor Sajal Ali and Wahaj Ali. The romantic drama was originally developed under Zindagi along with Indian content studio Applause Entertainment.

An industry insider reveals, “While The Pink Shirt did the festival rounds, its 2023 release kept getting pushed. In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, it never hit Indian screens. In such Indo-Pak collaborations, there was ambiguity about who owned the show anymore. Begin. Watch negotiated directly with the Pakistani producers.”

After it became clear that Zee5’s Zindagi vertical had been shut down in India, Begin. Watch acquired several cross-border collaborations such as Churails and Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam. Yet conspicuously missing from its catalogue is Barzakh (2024), director Asim Abbasi’s fantasy drama starring Fawad Khan. The show had streamed on Zee5 in India.

The source explains, “Since the show was produced for Zindagi, which was part of an Indian platform, it’s tangled in a rights dispute. The now-defunct Zindagi slate has led to a situation where many creators can’t access their own work. These collaborations were made with Indian money and Pakistani talent, and are now in a grey zone.”

Just a week before it was to hit the theatres on May 9, the release of Abir Gulaal, led by Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, was called off in light of the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Over three months on, Aarti S Bagdi’s directorial venture, now spelled Aabeer Gulaal, is set to arrive in theatres on August 29. But there’s a catch — its India release remains off the table. The romantic drama, produced by Vivek B Agrawal and India Stories Limited, will screen across cinemas in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the Middle East. 

After the Pahalgam terror attack in April, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) called for a boycott of Pakistani artistes working in India and announced that they would block Aabeer Gulaal’s release. Now, the makers of the romantic drama — which was to mark Khan’s return to the big screen in India nine years after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) — are bypassing a release on home turf due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan.

A trade source reveals, “The film has not yet been picked up by any Indian streaming platform. In today’s scenario where digital rights sales often provide major revenue, this is unusual. A streaming debut in India is not in the offing.”

The love story’s rollout remains uncertain across the border, even as Diljit Dosanjh’s Punjabi movie Sardaar Ji 3 performed exceptionally well in the market. We’ve heard that Aabeer Gulaal has yet to be granted certification from Pakistan’s three provincial certification boards — the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC), the Punjab Film Censor Board (PFCB), and the Sindh Board of Film Censors (SBFC).

When mid-day reached out to Nadeem Mandviwalla, a leading distributor in Pakistan, he was optimistic about its release.

He said, “A preliminary NOC has not been issued so far. Once that is done, it will go to the Pakistan censor bodies. The movies should run. People want to fight over entertainment, but only artistes end up losing in it. We were happy with the response to Sardaar Ji 3, which is the second-highest grosser in Pakistan after The Legend of Maula Jatt [2022]. We will try our best to release Aabeer Gulaal too.” Meanwhile, it has been submitted to the British Board of Film Classification. Trade insiders predict that the Middle East will be its strongest market.

mid-day reached out to Aabeer Gulaal’s makers, who confirmed that it will be released in cinemas around the globe, with the exception of India.

Vaani Kapoor has had a successful run in 2025 so far with her theatrical hit Raid 2. Now, she’s set to explore a new territory, the world of OTT, with Mandala Murders. While the actor admits feeling nervous about the shift, she’s equally excited to delve into long-format storytelling, which she believes allows her to explore her character in greater depth.

“I was very intrigued by the long format because it gives you much more room as an actor,” she says, adding, “You can explore more nuances, add more layers and really dive deep into the character. In films, you only get 2-3 hours to build an arc, establish it and layer everything in that time.”

In Mandala Murders, Vaani plays a detective, a role often associated with toughness. Ask her what influenced her to take up the role, and she points to films such as Mardaani (2014) for inspiration.

“I also wanted to bring a sense of realness and relatability to my character. She’s not just strong — she’s also vulnerable, fighting her own demons while trying to excel at her job. She’s a fighter from within, like most women, who carry incredible inner strength,” she ends.

Earlier this year, Vaani’s film Abir Gulaal, which was set to mark the Bollywood comeback of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, faced an unexpected roadblock when it was banned in India following the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

Breaking her silence on the controversy, Vaani says, “When we shot the film, the environment was very different... The producers ensured that every single permission was in place, and all legal protocols were followed. We are law-abiding citizens, and speaking for myself — half my family comes from an Army background. I’ve grown up watching my loved ones serve the country. I understand, on a very personal level, what sacrifice and duty to the nation truly mean,” she says.

Talking about social media backlash, Vaani adds, “I’m not here to prove how patriotic I am to people online. That’s not a benchmark.”

She further adds, “Nobody involved in the making of Abir Gulaal had any intent to hurt anyone’s sentiments. The film was made to spread love, unfortunately all it received was hate. But once the attacks happened, we fully respected and understood the mood of the nation. Not a single member of the team attempted to go against the law. The nation’s sentiment has always come first for all of us.”

In a statement on Instagram, singer Mika Singh criticised Diljit and wrote, “Desh Pehle (Nation First): Guys, as we all know, the relationship between India and Pakistan isn’t going well right now. Yet some people continue to act irresponsibly. Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice – especially when our nation’s dignity is involved.”

He added, “There was a film featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor that many of us opposed, and yet, some still don’t seem to get the message. What’s more shocking is that a fake singer, after doing ten shows in India with thousands of fans buying tickets, has now disappeared – leaving fans betrayed and helpless.”

In a lengthy post on Instagram, CEO of Ripple Effect Studios Sonali Singh, who has been managing the artiste, wrote how “Diljit has chosen to respect the sentiments of the Indian public and authorities and is not releasing the film in India, standing in alignment with the nation’s current mood.”

Excerpts from her post: This recent wave of criticism surrounding his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji, due to the presence of a Pakistani co-star, is both disheartening and unfair especially considering the timing and the nature of the project. The film was shot long before the current political climate intensified.

What hurts the most is this: On one hand, the global media celebrates him as the first Indian to perform at Coachella, to appear on Jimmy Fallon carrying his traditional identity, to walk the Met Gala carrying his culture & roots. And every single time, he proudly carries India with him.

But on the other hand, in his own country how quickly we forget. How conveniently we celebrate him when he puts India on the map, and how easily we trash him when the narrative turns. Does anyone think this doesn’t break his heart? Does anyone imagine how demoralizing it is to fight for visibility as a brown Indian artiste on the world stage and still have to fight for belonging in India? Diljit is the same man who: Was addressed by the honorable Prime Minister as “Bharat ke gaon ka beta”, a recognition of what he truly represents. Cancelled a major US show overnight when FWICE requested knowing it would cost him crores and invite a two-year legal battle in a foreign country. He handled it all silently and respectfully, without retaliation. The damage was personal and he bore it alone. Chose to stand by his producers not to protect himself, but to protect the families behind the film.

(Diljit) carries the Indian flag on his shoulders, proudly, as he leads the wave that’s transforming India’s live entertainment economy with authenticity, humility, and unmatched pride. Helped lift regional cinema especially Punjabi onto the global map. And now, that same man is being dragged down by a manufactured storm.

Sardaar Ji 3’s team also issued a clarification in a post on Instagram, stating that the film was shot before the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. “Sardaar ji 3 was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artiste was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune,” they wrote.

Addressing the film, which is set for an overseas-only release, Diljit said in a BBC Asian Network interview, “Jab yeh film bani thi tab toh situation sab theek tha. Humnein shoot kiya tha February mein. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh isko overseas release karte hain . Unka (producers) bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi. Unke dimag mein hai ki loss toh hoga hi kyuki ek territory aap minus kar rahe ho. Maine bhi jab film sign ki thi tab sab theek tha. Ab situation hamare haath mein hai nahi. Toh bahar release karna chahte hai toh main saath hoon.”

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Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is facing heat for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. With tensions high after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, and a renewed ban on Pakistani artistes, calls to boycott the film and Diljit are intensifying.

The makers have clarified that the film will not release in India, and Diljit, who also co-produced it, has now broken his silence. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, he said many decisions were out of his control and backed the producers’ call for an overseas release: “Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in February... Uske baad, bahut saari badi cheezein humare haath mein nahi hai. Producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India mein toh nahin lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahin. They know there will be a loss because you’re removing an entire territory. Even when I signed the film, everything was fine. Now the situation is not in our hands. So, if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them.”

The makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have released a statement that echoes Diljit’s remarks: “This is to bring to everyone’s kind notice that the film named Sardaar Ji 3 was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now, and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.”

The note further read, “We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune”.

“When an entire country is against that nation, you cherry-pick a Pakistani actor. You are trying to be arrogant, trying to be careless about the emotions of this country. That is why FWICE has taken note of it. Diljit has not responded and condemned what this actress [Hania] has spoken about Operation Sindoor and our country,” says Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).

Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of FWICE, disputes Diljit and the makers’ claim that the film will face major financial losses if it is not released. He emphasizes that the federation holds no personal grudge against Diljit but insists that the call for action is in the country’s best interest. He says, “Film ka foreign mein shoot hua hai, Pakistan ke 4-5 artiste hain, aur Diljit itne bade star hain, to paise to lagenge. Agar paise itne hai, to hum chanda ikatha kara sakte hai aur India se de denge. India mein bohot patriotic.”

Singer Mika has called Diljit irresponsible for working with a Pakistani actor. On Insta Stories, the singer asserted that India’s interests should come first, given the strained Indo-Pak relations. He wrote, “Before releasing any content involving artists from across the border, they should think twice — especially when our nation’s dignity is at stake.”

He also referenced Abir Gulaal — starring actor Fawad Khan, which was denied a theatrical release in India amid controversy — saying it should have served as a lesson for Diljit before choosing to work with Hania.

Sonali Singh has defended him. Part of her Insta post read, “In a career spanning over two decades, Diljit Dosanjh has become a cultural icon not only for India but for the global stage. Yet, time and again, he has been placed under the scanner, especially as a proud Sikh, a Punjabi, and an artist who has chosen to represent India with quiet pride rather than loud declarations. Despite being repeatedly targeted, Diljit has never resorted to outrage. His consistent message in interviews, music, films, and public appearances has always been rooted in love, unity, and kindness.”

Inputs by Yashika Mathur

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.

New Delhi: The highly anticipated release of 'Abir Gulaal', marking the return of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan to Indian cinema, has been thrown into jeopardy following the terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people has reignited public anger and sparked renewed demands for a boycott of Pakistani talent in Indian films.

Information and broadcasting ministry sources have indicated that govt may not permit the film's release, reflecting a hardened stance amid escalating tensions. The backlash has also spilled over into the entertainment industry, with several theatre owners and film distributors expressing reluctance to screen the film, fearing public unrest and possible protests.

This is not the first time Khan has faced controversy over cross-border tensions. In 2016, after the Uri attack, Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' - which also featured Khan - faced intense backlash, prompting the director to issue a public apology and commit to refraining from casting Pakistani actors.

'Abir Gulaal' was scheduled for release on May 9. However, its theatrical debut in India now appears increasingly uncertain. On social media, calls for a ban on the film gained traction, with hashtags such as #BoycottAbirGulaal trending.

Indian Film and Television Directors' Association president Ashoke Pandit condemned the timing of the film's release. "This was an act of war. National interest must come before artistic collaboration," he said, downplaying arguments around creative freedom.

Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of Federation of Western India Cine Employees, said the film would not be allowed to screen in India. "If makers proceed, we will take action," he said.

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Film Abir Gulaal, which was to be Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s comeback vehicle to Bollywood, has run into major trouble. As per sources, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has blocked the film’s release in India in light of the terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. On Thursday, two tracks from the film — Khudaya Ishq and Angrezi Rangrasiya — were removed from YouTube India.

Wednesday saw boycott calls for the film trending among federation heads and social media. Earlier this month, its teaser had drawn ire from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam.

The film was originally scheduled to release on May 9. Trade expert Atul Mohan says, “Sunne mein aa hi raha tha ki film release nahin ho payegi. The mood of the nation is so tense, this was bound to happen.”

Amit Sharma, MD of Miraj cinemas, says that as an exhibitor, his team “stands with the nation”. He adds, “The government is taking a call not to have any relationship with the country (Pakistan), so there is no point in us screening the film here. Looking at the situation, I had not thought that we would have released the film in any case.”

After the teaser of Abir Gulaal dropped earlier this month, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) opposed its release, condemning Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nine years. Amid the tension, the makers of the love story, also starring Vaani Kapoor, are carrying out the promotions as scheduled, ahead of its May 9 release. We’ve heard that the film’s music will be launched at Global Village in Dubai on April 19, with the leads in attendance. Amit Trivedi, who has composed the film’s soundtrack, will perform at the event.

We’re told Dubai was on the table right when the promotional plan was being drawn up. A source associated with Aarti S Bagdi’s directorial venture tells us, “The team anticipated the risk of backlash in India ever since Fawad came on board. Dubai is the obvious choice for promotions. It’s a neutral ground, has a strong diaspora presence, and Fawad is popular there. Music is a key aspect of Abir Gulaal. They wanted to go big on the music before launching the trailer.”

The music launch is being designed as a concert of sorts, with Trivedi performing select tracks from the movie. Another insider says, “It won’t be a ticketed event; it will be open to the public who have paid the entry fee for Global Village.”

Khan has been missing from the big screens in India since 2016, when the Indian industry stopped collaborating with Pakistani artistes in the aftermath of the Uri attack. While the Punjab release of his Pakistani film, The Legend Of Maula Jatt (2022), was cancelled last year, the actor’s series, Barzakh (2024), premièred on Zee5.

Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane has enjoyed a great start to the year. The actress not only married her longtime partner Ameer Gilani but also witnessed a massive response to the re-release of her 2016 film Sanam Teri Kasam.

“It was the best time of my life because it was also the weekend I was getting married,” the actress says. Now settling into newlywed life, Mawra opens up about the film’s renewed success, the emotional whirlwind of her wedding, and also addresses the ongoing controversy around Pakistani artistes working in the Indian film industry.

As the teaser for Fawad Khan-starrer Abir Gulaal broke the internet, also marking the Pakistani heartthrob’s return to Indian cinema, it also drew criticism from some quarters for casting a Pakistani actor in the lead role. While members of MNS said in a statement, “We will not let this film get released under any circumstances in Maharashtra,” Shiv Sena leaders have also opposed the film.

Ask the actress how she feels about objections to Pakistani artistes working in Indian films, and she replies, “I don’t take it personally. This is how the world works, right? I truly believe if it’s meant to happen, it will. I block the noise around my work. I love to do what I do. So, I do not let these things affect me. It is truly the producer’s headache, which is sad, but it is their problem. If I invest my mind into thinking, ‘Oh, what’s going to happen’, I will always be restless.”

So, has she spoken to Fawad in recent times? She says, “When my colleagues do well, we definitely reach out to each other. We wish each other luck. I truly wish the best for everyone. I hope this film does really well.”

Mawra’s Sanam Teri Kasam, which saw her opposite Harshvardhan Rane, may not have done well in 2016, when it was released, but recently, when it re-released in the theatres, it was hugely appreciated. Looking at the audience’s response, does she wish she could do more Bollywood films?

Mawra replies, “I’ve never thought about why I am not able to do this or that. I’m extremely grateful that I did something nine years ago and it’s being celebrated again. So, my most dominant emotion right now is just a lot of gratitude. I would love to do movies in India if the conditions allow. I would want to be a part of more movies like Sanam Teri Kasam and work in Mumbai because it was such a beautiful experience.”

Speaking further about the film’s rerelease, she shares, “It was the best time of my life because it was also the weekend I was getting married. The only thing that I wished I could have done is experience the audience’s love in the theatres. It was truly something I could not believe for a couple of days. My producer and everyone from my team were constantly updating me. They would send me pictures of the billboards and the screenings, and it was extremely sweet. I hope we see better days at the cinemas.”

Mawra got married to her co-star and longtime partner Ameer Gilani in February. “I always believed in love stories. I’ve really lucked out with Ameer. Sharing life with him has been extremely beautiful. He was extremely excited about the re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam. He’s my biggest cheerleader, and now I have him for life,” says Mawra, who recently featured in a Hindi music video (a song by Akhil Sachdeva).​

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is set to return to Hindi cinema with Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, nine years after his last release, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Pakistani artistes were banned in India following the 2016 Uri attacks. In 2023, the Bombay High Court ruled against a petition that aimed to ban Pakistani artistes from working or performing in India. However, the industry and some political bodies are against the comeback of artistes from Pakistan.

Sandeep Deshpande, city chief, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), told us, “Our stand is very clear. We will not entertain any movie that has Pakistani artistes. And if such a film is released, we will agitate the MNS way.”

Ameya Khopkar, a spokesperson for MNS, wrote on X, “Humein aaj hi iss film ke release ki jaankari mili. Lekin hum saaf taur par yeh keh rahe hain ki hum iss film ko Maharashtra mein release nahin hone denge.”

We reached out to producer Vivek B Agrawal and Vaani’s team, but there was no response till the time of going to press.

“We are still facing attacks by Pakistan. This is insensitive on the part of certain people in this industry. If they keep supporting Pakistanis, the federation will work out a system in which they will have to suffer a backlash. We can’t do anything legally, but we are contemplating action against the Indians and artistes who have worked on this film, including the heroine (actor Vaani Kapoor), by issuing a non-cooperation diktat.”

“Fawad Khan se dushmani nahin hai, Pakistani artistes se hai. We strongly oppose this film, and if our artistes work with them, we will stop them. Now that this film has been shot, we will issue a letter to the Indians involved in the project.”

“There are strong objections from my side. There are terrorist activities happening in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past too, Pakistan has caused so much damage to India. The film industry does not see the morally wrong side of this. We should just be honest to our soldiers and say, ‘Your life doesn’t matter’... We are fooling them when we make a film with Fawad Khan.”

Those looking forward to watching Fawad Khan’s The Legend Of Maula Jatt (2022) were disappointed when the film’s India release was stalled again this October. But it looks like we’ll see the actor on the big screen in 2025. mid-day has learnt that Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s romantic comedy, Abir Gulaal, has been wrapped up and director Aarti S Bagdi is now readying it for a theatrical release. The film will mark the Pakistani actor’s return to Hindi cinema almost nine years after his last Bollywood offering, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).

Sources tell us that beginning late September, the rom-com was shot in a straight schedule in London. The story revolves around two emotionally wounded people who inadvertently help each other heal.

A source from the unit reveals, “Abir Gulaal borrows its name from its lead characters. Fawad plays Abir, a London-based Indian chef, and Vaani, Gulaal, a traditional woman from Jaipur. The shoot began from September 29, with Aarti having planned a 40-day start-to-finish schedule. Filming was wrapped up in 37 days, as Vaani, Fawad and the supporting cast—including Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Parmeet Sethi and Soni Razdan—were well-prepped. Initially the plan was to shoot a few scenes in Mumbai, but eventually, the entire shoot was conducted in London as the story is set against the British capital. Every technician, including designer Sheetal Sharma, was hand-picked from India. Now, the post-production is underway. A part of Fawad’s dubbing is left; that will be done online.”

Producer Vivek B Agrawal, who has been part of Udta Punjab (2016) and Vikram Vedha (2022), is aiming for a theatrical release between early and mid-2025. It may be noted that collaborations with Pakistani artistes had come to a grinding halt in Bollywood after the Uri attack in 2016. However, in October 2023, the Bombay High Court rejected a petition to ban cross-border collaborations, observing that doing so would be a step backward in promoting peace, unity, and cultural harmony. The makers are optimistic that Abir Gulaal, which is an Indian production, will have a smooth journey to the cinemas.

On September 12, Imran Zahid, a Delhi-based theatre actor had filed a Right to Information (RTI) petition seeking clarity on whether the Indian government prevents Pakistani film and theatre artistes from working in India, and if any restrictions have been imposed on cross-border collaborations (Concerned whether our projects will face a ban, October 2). At the time, he was assured of a response by mid-November. On November 11, Zahid received a reply from the Ministry of Culture, which stated that it had “no information” or response to offer on the queries. “The system can’t be so opaque for us,” says a disappointed Zahid.

The lack of clarity impacts the theatre actor-director as he is making a stage adaptation of the popular Pakistani show, Humsafar, which starred Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, and first aired in 2011. Before beginning the casting process for the play, Zahid wanted to know whether Pakistani artistes are permitted to perform in India.

“I submitted an RTI request to both the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). My intent was to uncover any official stance or guidelines that could impact Pakistani artistes’ participation in Indian films, music, and theatre. Surprisingly, the MIB [in October-end] claimed that it had no information on this issue, suggesting it wasn’t within their jurisdiction. [In my petition], I even cited former Minister of State V K Singh’s words, who had publicly addressed similar questions in Parliament. [In conjunction], the MEA responded [in mid-October]. Its response was terse, stating that it did not possess the requested information and directed me back to the MIB, and the Ministry of Culture!”

With the recent evasive response from the Ministry of Culture, Zahid says he is unable to make informed decisions about the Humsafar adaptation. He is shocked at how the government is not offering transparency in the matter, only throwing him into an endless loop.

He asserts, “When government policies directly affect people’s professional decisions, transparency isn’t a mere formality; it’s a necessity. In the absence of clear guidance, I’ve advised my colleagues to refrain from engaging in projects involving Pakistani artistes. The lack of clarity restricts our ability to create and collaborate. A simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ from the government would enable us to plan responsibly, avoid guesswork, and proceed with confidence.”

Zahid now plans to approach the MIB, the Ministry of Culture, and the First Appellate Authority at the MEA again to seek a definitive response. “I am now appealing for a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response on this matter,” he states.

Fawad Khan’s Bollywood outings may have been few and far between, but that hasn’t diminished the admiration that Indian fans harbour for the Pakistani actor. It is, perhaps, in keeping with this demand of cinegoers that Indian filmmakers continue to attempt to release his works in the country, only to be met with legal roadblocks that are both arbitrary and unofficial.

Among the few filmmakers attempting to arrive at decisive answers on the subject is Delhi-based playwright Imran Zahid, who is working on an Indian adaptation of the popular Pakistani drama series, Humsafar (2011), featuring Khan and Mahira Khan. Zahid, who had filed a Right to Information (RTI) query regarding the release of Pakistani films in India, and to understand the laws relating to collaborating with artistes of the neighbouring country, has revealed that the Ministry of External Affairs redirected his query to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which also subsequently failed to provide conclusive information.

“If an application is mistakenly sent to the wrong public authority, the concerned Nodal Officer is required to transfer it to the appropriate authority under Section 6(3) of the [RTI] Act.”

“Following this procedure, I initially filed RTI applications with both the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The MEA, upon receiving my request, promptly transferred it to the MIB, as they deemed the latter as the appropriate department to address my query. Their response confirmed this transfer, providing the new registration number for reference. However, a month later, the MIB responded stating that the issue of restrictions on foreign nationals and artistes does not fall within their purview, and no relevant information was available with their department,” shares Zahid, who had filed the RTI after the abrupt cancellation of the India release of Khan’s film, The Legend Of Maula Jatt (2022), and subsequently raised concerns about unclear government policies.

Notably unhappy with the conflicting reactions of the two ministries, Zahid is raising questions about the proper handling of RTI applications. He questions why the MIB accepted his RTI query if it did not have the authority to deal with it. He also questions to which department he must turn for a definitive response if both the MIA and MEA have raised their hands. “This confusion persists despite the fact that both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India have ruled that no ban exists on Pakistani artistes working in India,” he says, referring to the 2023 verdicts by both courts.

“I have still not received a clear answer. RTI is right to information, but, now it is coming across as refusal to information. I don’t understand the confusion after the verdicts of the courts. If there is a rule against it, we should know before we invest money into making something that won’t see the light of day. Why is no one else asking these questions? What are the rules and guidelines?”

As news of the India release of Khan’s hit film hit headlines, a Maharashtra political party warned theatre owners with violence, should they choose to release the film. Such an unspoken ban, he says, doesn’t exist in Pakistan. “The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Gen (Dr) VK Singh (Retd) clarified that the Government of Pakistan has not imposed any ban on Indian artistes visiting or performing in Pakistan,” he signs off.

An unofficial ban on Pakistani artistes was imposed after the 2016 Uri terror attacks. The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees cited “security” and “patriotism” as reasons for the ban. 

In a 2023 ruling, the Supreme Court had rejected a petition seeking a ban on Pakistani artistes from performing in India, reinforcing the position taken by the Bombay High Court. The petition had been filed following increasing calls from various non-statutory bodies, such as the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA), Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), and MNS Cinema Wing, to restrict Pakistani talent from working in India. Both courts, however, dismissed the plea, emphasizing that they could not impose such prohibitions.

Although The Legend Of Maula Jatt has not yet received clearance to release in India, Fawad Khan has begun his return to Bollywood. The Pakistani actor and Vaani Kapoor kickstarted the shoot of their romantic comedy in London on September 28. “It is a 40-day schedule from start to finish,” a source said about the film directed by Aarti S Bagdi.

Tentatively titled Abir Gulal and produced by Vivek Agrawal of Udta Punjab (2016), Super 30 (2019), and Vikram Vedha (2023) fame, the film revolves around two emotionally wounded individuals who cross paths by fate, help heal each other, and eventually fall in love.

After Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), this will be Khan’s first appearance in Hindi cinema. The ban on Pakistani artistes in India began after the 2016 Uri terror attack. “The movie is about a London-based chef [Khan] and a simple, traditional girl from India [Kapoor], who has come to visit the city,” said the source, adding that  it is a simple yet well-crafted love story.

“[The cast and crew] will shoot across the city until November 10. Malaika Arora and Ridhi Dogra will join the unit in London. After that, Fawad will return to Pakistan, while the team will resume the shoot in Mumbai for a week. The principal shoot and songs are being shot in London,” said the source.

On October 17, 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking an absolute or complete ban on Pakistani artistes in India, noting that it would hinder efforts to promote peace, unity, and cultural harmony.

On September 12, Imran Zahid, a Delhi-based theatre actor, filed a Right to Information (RTI) petition seeking clarity on whether the Indian government prevents Pakistani film and theatre artistes from working in India. For Zahid, the RTI was driven by two factors—at the time, the Punjab release of The Legend Of Maula Jatt had just been announced, a decision he welcomed. More importantly, he wanted clarity on the government’s stance as he is making the Indian adaptation of Pakistani show, Humsafar, which starred Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan.

Things have changed in the fortnight since he filed the petition—The Legend Of Maula Jatt’s Punjab release stands cancelled. Even more reason, Zahid says, for Indian artistes to have complete knowledge of the situation.

“When [the film’s release] was announced [to severe opposition], I filed an RTI with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to inquire about any official ban from the Indian government. Since we are working on a stage adaptation of Pakistani dramas, we’re also concerned whether our projects will see the light of day or face a potential ban,” he says. 

At a time when OTT platforms are streaming content from around the globe, Zahid states that cancelling a Pakistani movie’s release feels “contradictory”.

“It is disheartening to see Maula Jatt’s release stalled. We’ve seen Pakistani actors being reintroduced to Indian audiences [through digital platforms] despite earlier bans. If digital platforms can allow this, why can’t cinema halls extend the same openness? What’s even more concerning is the lack of clear information from the government regarding any collaboration with Pakistani artistes.”

Zahid further explains, “For example, when Zee Studios announced the release of The Legend Of Maula Jatt a month prior, why is it now—so close to the release date—that we hear it has been stalled? In January 2023, during a press conference at the inauguration of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival, the then-Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, mentioned that Pakistan was among the invited nations. So, why this decision now? If there is any restriction, we should be made clearly aware of it, and we’ll naturally abide by it.”

In his RTI petition, a copy of which is in mid-day’s possession, Zahid wrote, “Are there any restrictions imposed by the Government of India on collaborating with Pakistani film and theatre artistes at present? Specifically, is there any ban on Pakistani artistes working in India? I raise this query because in November 2023, the Honourable Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea that sought a ban on Pakistani artistes working in India, advising against such narrow-mindedness. In October 2023, the Bombay High Court had also rejected a petition for a total ban on Pakistani artistes, noting that patriotism does not imply hostility toward foreigners.”

Zahid says he is expecting a response to his application by  by mid-October.

Will it release? Will it not? That has been the question buzzing in distributor circles, over the past few days, as The Legend Of Maula Jatt neared its scheduled October 2 release in the Punjab sector. Now, with only a day to go, the writing seems to be on the wall. In a turnaround, the India release of the Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan-led blockbuster has been cancelled. Reason? Sources say that the action drama did not receive a clearance from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The October 2 release of Bilal Lashari’s directorial venture had generated quite a buzz in the north sector. It was set to become the first Pakistani film to have a theatrical release in India in over 10 years. 

When we contacted the owner of a theatre chain in Delhi and Punjab, who was gearing up to screen the movie in one of his cinemas, he said, on the condition of anonymity, “On September 27, the film was to receive a clearance from the I&B Ministry. That hasn’t been granted. The prints were to be given to us on Tuesday, but we have heard that the film won’t play from Wednesday.”

A well-known Mumbai-based trade analyst echoed the possibility of the movie’s India release being cancelled.

The trade analyst said, “I don’t believe there is government pressure. I feel the issue is loss of property from fringe groups, which are protesting the theatrical release of a Pakistani film. If this film releases, a cross-cultural exchange could start. It’s possible the release is pushed till Friday. But I haven’t heard anything about the film from the trade world or the studio. The silence could indicate the release has again been stopped, like it was in 2022.”

In December 2022, The Legend Of Maula Jatt was slated to release in India. However, its release was opposed by certain political groups and subsequently cancelled. Last month, Zee Studios decided to bring it to home turf, beginning with Punjab. However, the team apparently did a rethink over the weeks, and in a meeting held yesterday, the studio decided against its big-screen release.

“We can’t risk damage of property,” said an insider. “For now, the film won’t be releasing on the big screen, but we can always release it on OTT, like we did with Barzakh. A plan will drawn soon, but the film isn’t releasing this week.”

Zee Studios officially declined to comment.

In December 2022, shortly after it took Pakistan’s movie industry by storm, The Legend Of Maula Jatt was scheduled to hit Indian theatres. However, its release was opposed by certain political groups and subsequently cancelled. Two years on, the Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan-led blockbuster is finally arriving in Indian screens on October 2, becoming the first Pakistani film in over 10 years to have a theatrical release in India. Distributor Nadeem Mandviwalla is confident of a strong run, even though the action drama is opening only in the Punjab circuit for now.

Is he disappointed that it’s not releasing in Mumbai, the hub of Indian cinema? Not really, says Mandviwalla, hoping that Zee Studios -- which is facilitating the India release -- might have bigger plans ahead.

“It was Bollywood which started [the practice of] Pakistani actors not being allowed to work in India. The other film industries, like those in Punjab and south, have no problem. If the picture becomes a success, it should be released in the south. This is our Baahubali, and I feel the south audience will appreciate its scale and vision.”

The Legend Of Maula Jatt – a reboot of Pakistan’s 1979 hit, Maula Jatt – tells the story of village hero, played by a gandasa-wielding Fawad, who becomes a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice in rural Punjab. The distributor points out that anticipation around Bilal Lashari’s directorial venture is high in Punjab, as the film’s Punjabi roots are expected to resonate strongly with viewers.

“There was tremendous excitement when it was to be released in December 2022, but it was [halted]. Now, even as the film is releasing after two years, I feel it will fare very well. There is a wide audience who wanted to see it, and since it’s not available on OTT, they haven’t been able to,” he says.

The action drama, having earned Rs. 400 crore globally by 2023, is Pakistan’s highest-grossing film to date. But its release in India is so much more than just another avenue to increase its lifetime earnings. Mandviwalla is hopeful that the movie will reignite a cross-cultural exchange between the two neighbouring countries.

“Whenever we used to tell the local authorities (he means Pak, no?) that we need our movies to go across the border, they used to highlight that Maula Jatt’s release was stopped. At that time, it wasn’t the government who had stopped it; it was local pressure. Whatever is happening politically should not affect art. I’m hopeful that this release will start a better [exchange]. In Pakistan, some Punjabi films do release. We recently released Jatt & Juliet 3, which did tremendous business at my theatre.”

Maula is a village folk hero and his tale is one of vengeance—he seeks to avenge the death of his family, which brings him into a deadly rivalry with Noori Natt, a notorious and equally formidable villain. The character's appeal lies in his complexity; he is a man of few words, driven by a desire for justice but not without his own flaws. 

The 2022 remake, The Legend Of Maula Jatt, reimagines this iconic tale for modern audiences. Directed by Bilal Lashari, the film retains the essence of the original but brings a more polished and grandiose cinematic vision, with Fawad Khan taking on the role of Maula Jatt and Hamza Ali Abbasi as Noori Natt. What makes the film click globally?

He says, "I personally feel that it's not the story itself. It was always a big name in Pakistan. But this time what has worked is not the big name or what the film had done 30 years before. This time it's all about how Bilal has made this film. And that became the most surprising part. It is a remake of the film. But he has done it in a way which is exceptional. Nobody could have thought that he would come up with a background and the way he made the film. That has worked tremendously. The star cast - Mahira and Fawad - had a very big contribution towards the success of the film. But ultimately, the biggest thing that happened was that the advance booking of the film when we released it in Pakistan was not up to the mark the way I wanted it to be. But the minute the picture opened up, within the first three days, the kind of report which was coming out, we knew that the second week is going to be much higher than the first week. And that is exactly what happened because the word of mouth was so gigantic. Everybody was shocked to see the film. Nobody could imagine that you can make a film of this sort. It has done about 121 crores in Pakistan. I think it has done 6.5 million dollars."

The last time we saw Fawad Khan on Indian screens was eight years ago, in the love story, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). It may be difficult to align that memory of him with his recent turn in Barzakh. In director Asim Abbasi’s series that explores the supernatural and magic realism, we see so little of the star and so much of the actor in Khan, as he plays a single father. When we sit across from him on a Zoom call, that’s our first question: What made him choose Barzakh, which is an unusual subject for a star?

"It's easier for me. I stay away from the hullabaloo of social media. I have some sort of blinders on. I am not immune to the noise around me. When I started off my career, I was drawn to the glitz and glamour. I am not from a trained background as an actor. The first thing that attracts you is the bling. Very early in my career, even before I came to India, I started falling in love with the craft. I started working towards my process, studying to improve my richness of craft. I was looking for characters and stories that had something to tell. As an artist, I don't think I wish to give a moral lesson or teach ideas of morality. But at the same time, I want to give them characters that come from amidst them, do things that do or do not relate to, their conflicts and resolutions. It became easier for me eventually to move towards being an artist over a star. Stardom is collateral; but I don't think of myself as a big star at all."

One of Pakistan's most popular actors globally, Fawad tells us that saying yes to Abbasi was far from a difficult decision. He instantly was in love with 'the wildness of the written word'.

"It was love at first sight. He is a very gifted writer-director. The script is the holy grail. When I take a project to anyone, I expect them to read the story. I shouldn't have to pitch it; the story should speak to them and pitch itself. Asim is amazing. You'll assume someone who writes heavy stuff isn't fun to hang with. He is crazy but equally sorted. It's his sensitivity that's beautiful. We fostered a friendship that's carried on. We took out time to do table readings. We would do physical rehearsals. The good part about these readings was that we know what we are doing before we get to the set. They were extensive and often we could go off-subject and talk about other things in our hearts. Asim allowed us to get into an intimate headspace of the character and how they fed off one another. I was able to dissect the mental anatomy of Sheryaar and where he was coming from and where he could go."

Khan admits all courage for experimenting comes with that inevitable hint of fear. "Initially, I was scared too. I was worried - did we jump into something too radically experimental? But when I saw the trailer, I was reassured. And it reaffirmed my faith in Asim. This man is capable of creating something so stunning, spectacular and amazing without a hint of pressure. I had the best time working on this. We shot it during COVID and in those days, I was seeking comfort in cooking. I have a lot of cookbooks and I am always trying different recipes. After a point, when you are in Hunza Valley (where the show was shot) - where the network is limited, and you are not connected with the world, all you have are the human connections. Cooking from scratch is the most therapeutic experience, in my opinion."

A show like Barzakh gives the actor in him space to look inward. It's a meditative experience, Khan says. "Every character you play, everything you watch, is an experience of soaking in and looking within. The last few years, I haven't been able to watch anything emotionally heavy. Some of the best, most brilliant work is emotional and I am just done with that. I found myself drawn to animation. I watched a lot of cartoons but even animation today is emotionally intense. Now I am back to what I watched when I was a teenager - Simpsons, Family Guy. As an actor, it's necessary that my mind is relaxed. A few years ago, I was told by someone - aapke zehen mein har waqt earthquake chal raha hota hai. Every character you take up leaves scars on you. It may sound dramatic but when you take up another character and their pain, there's duress and damage. It's there on every artist. I tell everyone that I need emotionally healthy roles to do. I need comedy, adventure, action and everything that's easy on the mind."

This show takes Khan back to his Zindagi Gulzar Hai co-star Sanam Saeed. The duo are South Asian TV's most loved on-screen pair. "It's been 12 years. Back then, we didn't know each other as people. On Barzakh and a few other things that we've done together now, we have got to know each other beyond the screen. There is a friendship now. As an actor, she has come very far as an actor. She is diverse with roles, consistent and it's hard to top where she is at."

We told him that when we asked about his comeback to his producer, Shailja Kejriwal, she'd said that Fawad takes his stardom lightly. Is there a reason why he keeps himself so mysterious?

"Mujhe ghabrahat hoti hai. I sometimes feel I wasn't made for this. And I worry that if I take my stardom seriously, or notice the frills of fame, I will be addicted to it. I consciously stay away from it because aaj hai toh kal nahi. I don't want to reach a pinnacle and then fall from there because the pain will be unbearable. I'd prefer it to be a light thud. Mujhe craft se ishq karne do. If I take my stardom so seriously, I will stop taking my job seriously. Best to remain unaware of it."

But one can't deny that the love from Fawad comes as much from leaning into his charm as a romantic hero, which makes women across age groups and demographics, unanimously love him. "I have tremendous Godsent luck. I am often told 'haan thik dikhta hai, itna kya hai?' People assume it's modesty. It's not. I am very realistic. Looks fade and I am grateful to all my fans, female fans. I am thankful that they have supported me so much and got me to where I am today. But I am just as scared of the men in their lives... so best to fear female adulation a tad."

We end the interview by telling him how his hordes of fans in India have missed him. He does have a show with Sony LIV, we hear and a movie with Vaani Kapoor, both of which are far from being at ‘talking stage’. It's a simple question we pose, how was he in the eight years we didn’t see him and what’s he feeling so many years down the line about what is being labelled his 'comeback'.

"I am picking up exactly from where I left off. I didn't feel the gap then, but I feel the age now. I have grown children now. I have been selfish in the sense ki main bhool gaya aur maine thode arsey ke liye check out kar liya. How this stint pans out is something time will tell but I hope the expectations people had of me at work, is something I live up to. I hope I am just as good at my craft, as I was when I was last here. I am seeking a lot from life. I had closed myself off for a while and I am stepping out into a different world than it was when I was not around. The challenges are different - I am not hunting for good scripts, I am looking for life experiences."

Since Tuesday morning, the internet was abuzz with speculation that actor Fawad Khan would make a special appearance in the upcoming film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. However, much to the dismay of Fawad fans, the makers have now denied these reports.

“No, this piece of news is false totally,” producer Bhushan Kumar told us. The film stars Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri in lead roles, while actor Vidya Balan, who starred in the original 2007 film, is also set to make an appearance. Actor Madhuri Dixit Nene is rumoured to make an appearance, too.

Meanwhile, Khan will reportedly make his comeback to Bollywood with a yet-to-be announced rom-com starring Vaani Kapoor. The Pakistani actor’s last Bollywood film was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).

In the words of Pakistani director Asim Abbasi, the only person who has fully understood his show, Barzakh, is producer Shailja Kejriwal. The upcoming Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed-starrer tells the story of a 76-year-old reclusive man, who invites his estranged children and grandchildren to celebrate his wedding with the ghost of his true love. Elements of the supernatural and magic realism run in the story that sees Kejriwal and Abbasi reunite after their successful Churails (2020).

Backing a story that’s so out of the ordinary couldn’t have been easy for Kejriwal. But the Bollywood producer says that all it takes is faith in the director.

“We have immense faith in Asim’s vision and storytelling. Folk stories across the world are similar because they come from general human existence. Some of the pagan elements that we’ve woven in are common to every culture, [be it India or Pakistan]. What drew me to the story is that families are complex. This idea is universal. When a family gets together, they bring their [resentments]. In each episode, Asim takes us through the unresolved trauma of each family member. Everyone starts off from a dysfunctional space, but by the end, there is some resolution in everyone’s lives,” she says.

Was it difficult to convince mainstream actors like Khan and Saeed to take on such an experimental series? “It wasn’t a challenge at all,” says Kejriwal.

“There is a lot of faith among Pakistani stars in Asim’s work after Cake [2018] and Churails. As an audience, we often pressure our stars to repeat who they are on screen, to satisfy us. Then we criticize them for repeating themselves. Fawad and Sanam are artistes first, and stars later. Fawad is very interested in pushing his own boundaries; he gets bored of the same old mould. Sanam is hungry for new things. They all believed in Asim’s madness.”

The Zindagi series is set to stream in times when most shows and movies aren’t finding favour with the Indian audience. For Kejriwal, the viewership numbers are secondary. The bigger idea through the banner, which was resurrected in 2020, is to unite people from both sides of the border through art.

“It is a big leap of faith to do such a show. But I can’t think strategies; I’m a storyteller first. I go with my gut. Sometimes  I will be rewarded for it, at other times, I will suffer. Producers should always think like an audience, look at what’s being made around and ask, ‘Is this grabbing my attention?’”

Asim Abbasi and Shailja Kejriwal