Amid the swirling controversy over Fawad Khan’s Bollywood return, Sunny Deol has stepped forward to voice his support for the Pakistani actor’s role in the upcoming film Abir Gulaal.
In an exclusive interview with HT City, the veteran actor, best known for his role in Gadar, weighed in on the heated debate surrounding Khan’s participation in the movie, which is set to hit theaters on May 9, 2025.
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The issue sparked when the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) openly opposed the screening of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra, specifically targeting Khan’s involvement. The situation intensified further when Ashoke Pandit, head of the Indian Film and TV Directors’ Association, issued a warning about potential protests against Khan’s comeback to Indian cinema.
Despite the controversy, Fawad Khan remains a fan favorite in India, thanks to his memorable performances in Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016).This ban was formally challenged in 2023, with the Bombay High Court ruling in favor of artistic freedom, rejecting the idea of a permanent ban.
Also Read: Fawad Khan’s ‘Abir Gulaal’ gets threat from Hindu political party
Staying clear of politics, Sunny Deol firmly stated that he sees himself as an artist first.
“I wouldn’t like to go into the political side because that’s where things get complicated,” he said. “We are actors, we work for everyone all over the world. Whether someone is watching from Mars or anywhere else, our work is meant for everyone. The world is becoming more global, and we should embrace that.”
Deol’s calm and inclusive stance on the matter stands in contrast to the more politically charged reactions to Fawad Khan’s comeback. With Abir Gulaal‘s release date drawing closer, this debate shows no signs of slowing down, and it remains to be seen whether the controversy will affect the film’s box office performance.
