Fawad Khan’s latest Bollywood film is finally set to release following a ban on Pakistani artists in India. Playing the role of a UK-based chef, Fawad appears opposite Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor. 

Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, Abir Gulaal is expected to be a cross-cultural film that highlights the chemistry between Fawad and Vaani. The film is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. It is co-produced by Vivek B. Agarwal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy. 

Abir Gulaal will be an addition to the romantic comedy genre. Lisa Hayden and Farida Jalal are also part of the cast. It will mark Fawad’s return to Bollywood after nine years. 

The film remains banned in India but will be released worldwide this month. 

The ban on Pakistani actors was implemented by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following the Palagham attack in April. The release of Sardaar JI 3 which starred Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and Abir Gulaal that casted Fawad in lead role were both halted. Abir Gulaal was originally slated to release on May 9. 

The film had generated buzz among fans, particularly due to Fawad’s return to the Bollywood scene. Fawad made his Bollywood debut in 2014 with Khoobsurat, starring opposite Sonam Kapoor. He went on to appear in Dharma Productions’s Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which was his last Indian project before the ban on Pakistani artists in 2016. 

Abir Gulaal will be hitting global cinema screens on 29 August this year. 

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