Sunny Deol Breaks Silence on Fawad Khan’s Return Amid Ongoing Debate Over Cross-Border Collaborations
As the countdown begins for the May 9 theatrical release of Abir Gulaal, Bollywood veteran Sunny Deol has shared his perspective on the growing debate surrounding Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated return to Indian cinema.
In a candid interview with HT City, Deol — known for his powerful portrayals in patriotic blockbusters like Border and Gadar 2 — addressed the renewed scrutiny over Indo-Pak artistic collaborations. When asked whether Pakistani actors like Khan should be welcomed back into Bollywood, Deol remained diplomatic yet optimistic.
“See, I wouldn’t like to go on to the political side because that’s where things start getting messy,” he said. “We are actors, we work for everyone all over the world. Even if somebody is watching on Mars or anywhere, we are for everyone. So, aisi koi baat nahi hain. The way the world has become, we should stay global and let there be more countries; that’s the way it should be.”
His comments come amid renewed objections from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which recently reiterated its opposition to Abir Gulaal’s screening in Maharashtra, specifically due to Khan’s involvement. While the party hasn’t announced any formal protest plans, internal sources suggest heightened monitoring of cinema chains across Mumbai and Pune.
The Indian Film and TV Directors’ Association (IFTDA), which previously saw divided opinions on the return of Pakistani artists, has remained silent this time — possibly signaling a shift in the industry’s stance. Notably, a 2023 Bombay High Court ruling dismissed a plea to officially ban Pakistani performers, reinforcing the principle that art must rise above politics.
Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, is set against the scenic backdrop of London and promises a romantic rollercoaster full of charm, emotion, and chemistry between Fawad Khan and co-star Vaani Kapoor. It is Fawad’s first Indian project since 2016, when political tensions led to an unofficial ban on cross-border collaborations.
While the film is navigating sensitive terrain, fan enthusiasm is unmistakable. Early previews and international promotions — especially in the UK and UAE — have already sparked buzz on social media, with #FawadIsBack trending multiple times in recent weeks.
Whether Abir Gulaal will pave the way for more open artistic exchange remains to be seen, but as Deol reminds us, “Actors belong to everyone — beyond borders, beyond politics.”
