Ticket to Bollywood: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s film to be called Abir Gulaal | Instep

arlier this month, Fawad Khan’s return to Hindi cinema was confirmed with the release of an image featuring him and Vaani Kapoor. The project, titled Abir Gulaal, is said to be directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, (known for Chalti Rahe Zindagi).

Set against the backdrop of London, Abir Gulaal is a romantic comedy. Describing the film’s premise, Bagdi told Variety, “The film explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence.”

Abir Gulaal marks Fawad Khan’s reentry into Bollywood after a decade-long absence. His Bollywood journey began with Khoobsurat, in which he co-starred with Sonam Kapoor and won the Best Male Debut award at the Filmfare Awards. Following Khoobsurat, Fawad Khan’s popularity in India soared. He played a lead role in the Karan Johar production Kapoor & Sons in 2016, alongside Alia Bhatt, Siddharth Malhotra, and the late Rishi Kapoor. This role, which several other actors had declined, showcased Fawad Khan’s understated and nuanced performance, setting him apart in the star-studded industry. He also made a memorable guest appearance in another Karan Johar film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, where he outshone Ranbir Kapoor in their shared scenes. However, due to rising political tensions, Pakistani artists, including Fawad Khan, were unable to work in India. Despite an unofficial ban, he had to bid farewell to Hindi cinema.

During his absence, Fawad Khan served as a co-judge on Pepsi Battle of the Bands for three years. He also achieved immense success in Pakistan’s highest-grossing film, The Legend of Maula Jatt, which was released in 2022. In the same year, he also played a notable role in Ms. Marvel (2022).

Another passion project for Fawad Khan was Barzakh, a thought-provoking and unpre-dictable six-episode series that initially aired on YouTube in Pakistan before being banned. However, it remains accessible to audiences outside Pakistan.

Following this, Fawad Khan received an opportunity to return to Bollywood. In 2023, a Bollywood project materialized after a Bombay High Court judge dismissed a petition to ban Pakistani artists, and Khan accepted. Regarding the casting of Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, the producers told Variety, “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.”

For many reasons, Fawad Khan is currently the man of the moment. He will continue shooting for Abir Gulaal throughout October and November. While the fate of his blockbuster film’s screening in India remains uncertain, there are rumors of a sequel to The Legend of Maula Jatt being planned. Additionally, Fawad Khan is turning producer with Neelofar, a film that reunites him with his Humsafar co-star Mahira Khan in a manner fans have been longing for. Moreover, Fawad Khan is part of a Netflix project featuring several Pakistani actors, including Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sanam Saeed, Hania Aamir, Ahad Raza Mir, Bilal Ashraf, Iqra Aziz, and Maya Ali. This Netflix series will explore modern-day relationships.

There is no doubt about Fawad Khan’s talent as an actor. With a Netflix project, a Hindi film, a potential sequel to The Legend of Maula Jatt, and a reunion film with Mahira Khan in Neelofar, it seems like this is Fawad Khan’s time to shine. –With information from Variety

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