Javed Akhtar opens up on Pakistani artistes being allowed in India after terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and release of Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulal: 'Why was Lata Mangeshkar.....?'

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam have left the nation in shock as everyone is experiencing grief towards those who lost their lives and their families. While people have condemned this incident, it has further led to the question of Pakistani artists being allowed to work in India. Fawad Khan's film 'Abir Gulaal' was supposed to release in theatres on May 9 but according to reports, it is now banned from releasing in India.
Impact on Pakistani Artists in India
Javed Akhtar's Perspective
Amidst all this, now veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar has commented on Pakistani artists being allowed to work in our country. Akhtar said in a video shared by PTI, "The first question should be whether we should allow the Pakistani artists here. There are two answers, both of them are equally logical. It has been a one way traffic, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, Noor Jahan came to India, we gave them a great reception... Faiz Ahmad Faiz, who is a poet of subcontinent, he was living in Pakistan, when he came to India during the AB Vajpayee regime, he was treated like a state head, the kind of respect given by the government. I am afraid, this has never been reciprocated, I mean, I have no complain with the people of Pakistan."
He further questioned why Lata Mangeshkar never performed in Pakistan. Akhtar said, "Big poets of Pakistan has written for the songs of Lata Mangeshkar. She was hands down most popular artist in India and Pakistan in the 60's and 70's, but why there was not a single performance of Lata Mangeshkar in Pakistan? I won't complain to people of Pakistan, she was loved, but there was some blockage, the blockage was system, which I don't understand. This is one-way traffic. The second if equally valid, if we block Pakistani artists, who are we pleasing in Pakistan? The Army and the fundamentalist, this is what they want? They want distance, it suits them. Both these questions are equally valid. At this moment, I would say no."
Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its directive to ban Pakistani artists. In a statement, they said, "In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world."
About Abir Gulaal
It is an upcoming romantic comedy set to hit theatres on May 9, 2025. The film has already caught attention with its teaser and songs, which have been well-received by audiences. It marks Fawad Khan's return to Bollywood after 9 years, making it one of the most anticipated comebacks. The movie also stars Lisa Haydon, Ridhi Dogra, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, Parmeet Sethi, Rahul Vora, and others. It is directed by Aarti S Bagdi, promising a fresh and vibrant cinematic experience.