Abir Gulaal Songs Featuring Fawad Khan & Vaani Kapoor Removed from YouTube Amid Controversy
Fawad Khan & Vaani Kapoor’s Abir Gulaal Songs Taken Down from YouTube
The much-anticipated songs from Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistan’s Fawad Khan and Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor, have been abruptly removed from YouTube amid growing backlash and boycott calls. The film, which was set to release later this year, has faced criticism due to rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and ongoing debates over Pakistani artists working in Indian cinema.
Backlash Over Fawad Khan’s Involvement
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, social media campaigns demanding a boycott of Pakistani artists in India resurfaced. Fawad Khan, being one of the most prominent actors from Pakistan, became a primary target, leading to pressure on streaming platforms to take down Abir Gulaal promotional content. Several Indian political groups and netizens accused the film’s producers of insensitivity, given the current geopolitical climate. This led to #BoycottAbirGulaal trending on X (formerly Twitter), forcing YouTube to comply with public sentiment. Abir Gulaal is a romantic thriller featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor in lead roles. The film was highly anticipated due to Fawad’s return to Bollywood after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
The movie’s soundtrack, composed by a renowned Bollywood music director, had garnered millions of views before being taken down. Fans expressed disappointment, while critics debated the ethics of banning art over political tensions. Many users argued that Pakistani artists should not be promoted in India until diplomatic relations improve. They cited the Pahalgam attack as a reason to avoid collaborations with Pakistani talent. Others, including industry insiders, criticized the removal, stating that art should be separate from politics. Some pointed out that similar boycotts in the past have harmed creative freedom.
Uncertainty Over Theatrical Release & OTT Release?
With the songs being pulled from YouTube, speculation is rife about whether Abir Gulaal will face a complete ban or delayed release. The production house has yet to issue an official statement. If theatrical release becomes unviable, the makers might opt for an OTT platform with limited marketing to avoid further backlash. This isn’t the first time Fawad Khan has faced backlash. After the 2016 Uri attacks, his role in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was protested, leading to last-minute edits. Singers like Atif Aslam & Rahat Fateh Ali Khan have also faced bans in India, with their songs being removed from playlists and award shows.
The removal of Abir Gulaal songs from YouTube highlights the ongoing tension between artistic collaboration and national sentiment. While some demand a complete ban on Pakistani artists, others advocate for separating art from politics. The fate of Abir Gulaal will set a precedent for future cross-border projects.
