Renowned Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has made a poetic return to Bollywood with the release of the romantic track Khudaya Ishq, featuring Vaani Kapoor. The soulful song, part of the upcoming film Abir Gulaal, dropped on Monday, igniting both excitement and controversy in India’s entertainment industry.
A Romantic Comeback After Nearly a Decade
Khudaya Ishq marks Fawad Khan’s first appearance in Indian cinema in almost nine years. His last Bollywood roles were in Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, both in 2016. Khan initially captivated Indian audiences with his charm in Khoobsurat (2014), where he quickly earned a loyal fanbase.
A Melodic Masterpiece with Arijit Singh and Shilpa Rao
The song, composed by Amit Trivedi, features vocals by Arijit Singh and Shilpa Rao. Their mesmerizing performance adds depth to the emotions of the song, which beautifully conveys themes of longing and devotion. With its evocative lyrics and haunting melody, Khudaya Ishq is expected to top music charts and become a radio favorite.
A Glimpse into Abir Gulaal: A Love Story Set in London
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by A Richer Lens Entertainment (the same team behind Udta Punjab and Queen), Abir Gulaal tells a heartwarming love story set against the charming backdrop of London’s streets. The film promises to be a tale of love, filled with unexpected twists, tender moments, and pure magic.
Alongside Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, the film also stars Ridhi Dogra, who has emphasized the movie’s central theme of spreading love in a world filled with conflict. Abir Gulaal is slated for a theatrical release on May 9, 2025.
Controversy: Calls for a Ban Amid Ongoing Artist Restrictions
While Fawad Khan’s return has been warmly welcomed by many fans, not everyone is celebrating. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has raised objections, stating their opposition to films featuring Pakistani artists in India. An MNS spokesperson declared:
“We stand by our stance. Pakistani actors should not be allowed to work in Indian films as long as cross-border tensions persist. We will not permit Abir Gulaal to release in Maharashtra.”
This controversy stems from the 2016 Uri terror attack, after which Indian film associations like IMPPA and AICWA unofficially imposed a ban on Pakistani artists in Indian films. Although a Bombay High Court ruling in 2023 dismissed a formal petition to lift the ban, the restriction remains informally in place.
Industry Reactions: Should Art Be Bound by Nationalism?
The debate reignites the ongoing discussion about whether art should be constrained by borders. Actress Ridhi Dogra, defending the film, said:
“There’s already enough hate in the world. The film’s tagline is ‘Bringing love back,’ and that’s our mission — to focus on the beautiful aspects of life.”
Fawad Khan’s fans are expressing disappointment over the opposition, arguing that art should transcend boundaries and that cinema should remain a neutral space for creativity and storytelling.
Fawad Khan: A Star Who Bridges Divides
Known for his iconic roles in Pakistani dramas like Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar, Fawad Khan has gained widespread admiration across both India and Pakistan. His recent performance in the 2024 fantasy drama series Barzakh earned acclaim, and Abir Gulaal could potentially mark the beginning of his Indian career revival — if it is allowed to release smoothly.
Public Sentiment and Social Media Buzz
- YouTube Comments: Fans around the world are praising the song’s emotional depth and the chemistry between Fawad and Vaani.
- Trending Hashtags: #KhudayaIshq, #FawadKhanReturns, #AbirGulaal
- X Reaction: While some X users are excited about Fawad’s comeback, others are calling for respect for the ongoing unofficial artist ban.
What’s Next for Abir Gulaal?
The film’s fate in Maharashtra is uncertain, but its broad appeal, captivating music, and the undeniable chemistry between Fawad and Vaani suggest that Abir Gulaal could still find success both nationally and internationally. Distributors are closely monitoring the situation to see how the political and public reaction unfolds before the May 9 release.
Love Beyond Borders
Abir Gulaal is more than just a film — it represents a moment of cinematic diplomacy and creative expression in the face of political tensions. As the controversy continues to simmer, the film’s message of “bringing love back” rings louder than ever.
