Dia Mirza Welcomes Pakistani Actor Fawad Khan's Bollywood Comeback: 'Never Mix Art And Hate' | Exclusive
Dia Mirza said that art should not be mixed with hatred and shared her hope for more collaborations with Pakistani artists in the future.
Fawad Khan is gearing up for his return to Bollywood with Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor. While the film has generated buzz for marking Fawad’s comeback in a romantic role, it has also sparked debate online. While some fans are eagerly awaiting his return, others have criticised the move, arguing that Pakistani actors should not be offered a platform in India.
In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Dia Mirza weighed in on the subject, expressing her support for Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood. She said that art should not be mixed with hatred and shared her hope for more collaborations with Pakistani artists in the future.
related stories
- Dia Mirza Condemns Terror Attack In Pahalgam, Calls It 'Brutal': 'Justice Must Prevail'
- 'Ban Abir Gulaal': Netizens Furious Over Vaani Kapoor's Film With Fawad Khan Amid Pahalgam Attack
- Abir Gulaal Songs Removed From YouTube India After Pahalgam Attack; Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor Face Backlash
- Pakistani Actor Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal Delayed As Exhibitors Fear Backlash Over Pahalgam Attack: Report
The interview with Dia Mirza, however, was conducted prior to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. (News18 requests its readers to not interpret her comments as a response to or commentary on the recent events in Pahalgam).
“It is a political question. If the circumstances to seek a ban on artists were completely…I’ve always believed that art is and should always be the medium of peace and harmony. We should never, ever allow art and sport to be tangled or mixed with hate. It’s just good that Fawad is back in the film, you know that we will be watching soon. I hope this leads to many more such opportunities for other collaborations," Dia told us.
Dia Mirza Condemns ‘Brutal’ Pahalgam Terror Attack
Meanwhile, Dia Mirza on Thursday shared a statement on her Instagram handle, condemning the terror attack which took place in Pahalgam on Tuesday. The actress called the attack “brutal" and sought justice for those who lost their loved ones.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief. The pain we share must fuel our collective resolve—to stand united, to speak louder for peace, and to act against hate in all its forms. The perpetrators of this brutal, senseless violence must be held accountable. Justice must prevail," Dia wrote and then added, “Let us come together—as one humanity—and say, enough. We will not let hate divide us. We will not be silent 🙏🏻."
Why Is Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal Facing Backlash?
Meanwhile, Fawad Khan has appeared in three Bollywood films including Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), all of which garnered considerable attention owing to his popularity among Indian audiences.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically following the 2016 Uri terror attack. In its aftermath, prominent industry bodies like the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a ban on Pakistani artists from participating in Indian cinema. Although the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition in 2023 that called for a formalised ban, industry sources maintain that an unofficial freeze on collaborations with Pakistani talent has persisted since 2016.
Currently, Abir Gulaal has also been facing opposition from many including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
- Location :
- First Published: