Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor have begun shooting for their upcoming romantic comedy Abir Gulaal in and around London. The film is being directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, and produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. Producers Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy are overseeing the project, which will be filmed in the U.K. throughout October and November.
Director Aarti Bagdi shared insights into the film’s plot, saying, “The story explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence.”
The film holds special significance given the political context surrounding cross-border collaborations. Since 2016, Pakistani artists have been unofficially banned from working in Indian films due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. However, in 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking to make the ban official. In its ruling, the court emphasized the role of the arts in promoting peace and unity, stating, “Arts, music, sports, culture, dance, and so on rise above nationalities, cultures, and nations and truly bring about peace, tranquility, unity, and harmony in nations and between nations.”
Fawad Khan, a heartthrob in both Pakistan and India, has starred in Bollywood hits like Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016), in addition to international projects like Ms. Marvel (2022) and Pakistan’s highest-grossing film, The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022). However, the Indian release of Maula Jatt is currently stalled after objections from right-wing groups. Khan also headlines the hit Zindagi series Barzakh, which premiered at Series Mania in 2023.
Vaani Kapoor, who won acclaim for her portrayal of a transgender character in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021), continues to build her career with upcoming projects like Netflix’s crime thriller series Mandala Murders and the Bollywood drama-comedy Badtameez Gill.
The producers of Abir Gulaal have expressed excitement over the on-screen pairing of Khan and Kapoor. “Fawad has a massive global fan base, and we anticipate that audiences will wholeheartedly embrace this film. It showcases him in one of his most endearing roles yet. The chemistry between Fawad and Vaani is expected to light up the screen, thanks to their captivating performances and undeniable charm,” they shared.
Fans eagerly await the release of Abir Gulaal, anticipating a blend of heartfelt romance and charming performances from the lead stars.
