Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor have officially kicked off production on their new romantic comedy Abir Gulaal. According to Variety exclusive, filming is currently underway in and around London, with the shoot scheduled to continue through October and November.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi, the film is produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures, with Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy leading the production. According to Bagdi, Abir Gulaal “explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence.”
The project marks a significant return to the screen for Fawad Khan, who enjoys massive popularity in both Pakistan and India. Khan’s previous Bollywood hits include Khoobsurat and Kapoor & Sons, while his recent appearances in Ms. Marvel and Pakistan’s all-time box-office success The Legend of Maula Jatt have further cemented his global stardom.
Despite Maula Jatt‘s Indian release being delayed by political objections, Khan continues to captivate audiences worldwide. He is also the lead in the hit series Barzakh, which premiered at Series Mania in 2023.
On the other hand, Vaani Kapoor, fresh off her critically acclaimed role as a transgender character in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021), is currently leading in Netflix’s upcoming crime thriller Mandala Murders and the Bollywood dramedy Badtameez Gill.
The producers of the film spoke about the pairing of Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor said that audiences have high expectations for the duo’s on-screen chemistry. “Fawad has a massive global fan base, and we anticipate that audiences and his fans will wholeheartedly embrace this film, as it showcases him in his most endearing role yet. The chemistry between Fawad and Vaani is expected to light up the screen with their captivating performances and undeniable charm,” said the producers.
The announcement of Abir Gulaal comes at a time when the unofficial ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian films has seen some changes. Following political tensions between the two countries in 2016, Pakistani actors were largely excluded from Bollywood. However, in 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition to formalize this ban, emphasizing the unifying power of the arts. “Arts, music, sports, culture, dance, and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures, and nations and truly bring about peace, tranquility, unity, and harmony in nation and between nations,” the court ruled.
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