Amid 'Abir Gulaal's ban talks Fawad Khan’s massive paycheck revealed; Vaani Kapoor didn’t even get half

The romantic film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, has landed in troubled waters even before its release. Originally set for a worldwide release on May 9, the film is now facing uncertainty following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.

In the wake of the incident, there has been a renewed call in India to boycott Pakistani artists, reviving memories of the blanket ban imposed after the 2016 Uri attack. Back then, Fawad Khan, who had charmed Indian audiences with films like Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, was also caught in the crossfire. Karan Johar had even publicly promised not to work with Pakistani talent again.

Now, Abir Gulaal seems to be facing a similar fate. Although no official announcement has been made, reports suggest that the film's songs, Khudaya Ishq and Angrezi Rangrasiya, have already been taken down from YouTube India. Sources say the makers are rethinking the film’s release in Indian theatres amidst the growing backlash.

Adding to the buzz, a new report by Siasat claims that Fawad Khan was paid a whopping Rs 5 crore for Abir Gulaal, much higher than his usual fees, Rs 2 crore per film in Pakistan and Rs 15 lakh per TV episode. Meanwhile, Vaani Kapoor reportedly received Rs 1.5 crore for her role. However, it’s important to note that these figures haven't been officially confirmed, and the truth behind the reported paychecks remains unclear.

Amidst the controversy, some fans and critics have started calling Fawad Khan "unlucky," pointing out how his Bollywood career has faced repeated hurdles due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. Despite the challenges, Fawad expressed his condolences for the Pahalgam attack victims through an emotional Instagram Story, praying for strength and healing for the affected families.

As of now, the fate of Abir Gulaal’s release in India hangs in balance. Whether the film manages to overcome the mounting controversies or faces a shelving remains to be seen.