The upcoming film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan alongside Vaani Kapoor and Ridhi Dogra, has sparked controversy as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has challenged its release, claiming that it violates an agreement reached in 2016 between the Producers’ Guild, then Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and MNS chief Raj Thackeray. The agreement reportedly discouraged the involvement of Pakistani actors in Indian films.
Ameya Khopkar, head of MNS’s Chitrapat Wing, addressed the media, stating, "No film will be released here featuring Pakistani artists. And there is no need to release it. I just want to say, show the courage to release it. I challenge you to release it."
Amidst the controversy, actress Ridhi Dogra's statement made in 2024 has gone viral. In a clip doing the rounds on social media, the actress says that she verified if she was 'legally permitted' to work with 'someone of that nationality' (Pakistani).
Defending her decision to work alongside Fawad, she said that there were no legal restrictions. She said, “There is no division in art. When we watch a play or a film, we only see the characters, not their nationality. The only thing I checked was whether I was allowed to work with someone of that nationality (Pakistani), and yes, our country and government give us permission."
She further clarified that if it were not legally permitted, "I wouldn’t have done the film."
Abir Gulaal, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, is slated to have a theatrical release on May 9. However, MNS party workers have issued an open challenge to the makers to release the film in the state of Maharashtra saying, "We will not allow the release of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra. Those who want to pamper Pakistani actors can do so but they have to deal with us."
