Songs of Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal deleted from YouTube in wake of boycott calls

As anti-Pakistan sentiments surge in India following the recent shooting incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the upcoming film Abira Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, has faced major setbacks ahead of its release. The film’s production company has removed its songs from YouTube.

According to Indian media reports, two tracks, the romantic Khudaya Ishq and the upbeat dance number Angreji Rangrasiya, were taken down by A Richer Lens Entertainment, the production house behind Abira Gulaal.

The popular music label Saregama also removed the songs from its official YouTube channel amid mounting pressure from far-right nationalist groups in India.

Read: Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback 'Abir Gulaal' faces boycott calls amid Pahalgam attack

These developments come in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 tourists were killed and dozens injured. Without providing substantial evidence, Indian authorities and media outlets were quick to blame Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the BJP government itself admitted to intelligence failures and serious security lapses in the heavily guarded region, despite an influx of visitors.

Many critics believe that pinning the blame on Pakistan is an attempt by the BJP and Hindu nationalists to deflect attention from their own shortcomings and avoid international embarrassment.

Check: Fawad Khan makes Bollywood comeback after nine years with ‘Abir Gulaal’ teaser release

Abira Gulaal, which was scheduled to release on May 9, has now been banned following the incident. The film’s third song, Tain Tain, was announced for release this week, but has yet to be published.

Earlier, Fawad Khan expressed solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack.

“Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time,” the actor wrote in a heartfelt message.