Ridhi Dogra seems to support the calls to boycott her film, Abir Gulaal, headlined by Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, as backlash for the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on Tuesday. Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.
The terror attack has reignited calls to boycott Pakistani artistes and their movies, beginning with Fawad Khan’s upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal. The makers of Abir Gulaal, which features Vaani Kapoor opposite Fawad and Ridhi Dogra in a key role, had announced that the movie will be releasing on May 9.
After Ridhi condemned the terror attack on Wednesday on X, fellow users criticised her for her hypocrisy, since she worked with a Pakistani actor in Abir Gulaal. She responded to a user, writing, “Civilization is based in community. Not isolating. But If we can open our arms and be welcoming, we can also close them when needed. And that fine too.”
She replied to another user on X, “I DID (work with Fawad) when my govt allowed it. And I stand by the laws and rules.. But I also know Peace, Grace and Harmony is important for a healthy civilization. Yes there’s duality in these words but that is the very life we lead. On this earth.” “I won’t keep quiet just because of my profession I choose peaceful collaboration. So don’t waste your anger on me. I’m as angry as everyone. I just choose to remain dignified towards others,” added The Sabarmati Report actor, clarifying that the issue isn’t about her.
I DID when my govt allowed it. And I stand by the laws and rules.. But I also know Peace, Grace and Harmony is important for a healthy civilization. Yes there’s duality in these words but that is the very life we lead. On this earth. https://t.co/6KtDDkbU3d
— Ridhi Dogra (@iRidhiDogra) April 23, 2025
In a statement on Wednesday, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its directive, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistani artistes, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry. “Despite the ongoing directive, we’ve been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film, Abir Gulaal,” it 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,” the FWICE said.
“We would like to emphasise that any member of our organisation or it’s affiliate associations, such as the actors, directors, other technicians and producers or the production houses found cooperating with Pakistani personnel, will be subject to disciplinary action. Further, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that ‘Abir Gulaal’ is not released in India,” the note added.
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The industry workers’ union had issued the directive in February 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. In 2016, following the Uri terror attack, Pakistani artists were barred from working in the Indian film and music industry. At the time, Fawad, then rising in popularity in India, had faced issues for his supporting role in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Johar issued an apology and stated that he will not work with a Pakistani artist in future.
